Blue Jays: Simeon Woods Richardson continues to impress

Simeon Woods Richardson is continuing to force management to give some extra thought to their plans for him during the 2021 season, after another strong outing on Wednesday.

Woods Richardson made his third appearance of the spring on Wednesday and all have come against the New York Yankees.  And for the third time, Woods Richardson held the Yankees to no runs. This time he came in during the fourth inning and faced a line-up of mostly Opening Day Starters including D.J. LeMahieu, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, among other regulars.  Woods Richardson needed just 42 pitches to get through the three innings that included striking out four batters and allowing just two singles.

More from Jays Journal

• Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day

In total, this spring, Woods Richardson has thrown eight innings allowing just four hits and two walks, while striking out eight and not allowing a run.  The 20-year old, who was acquired along with Anthony Kay for Marcus Stroman, looks to still be on the outside looking in at making the roster. However, he is trying to take a step forward at being one of the first pitchers to be called up (if there are injuries or the rotation struggles).

Woods Richardson is currently listed number 87 on the MLB Top Prospects list and number four on the Blue Jays Top 30.  He is likely to start the season in New Hampshire, where it looks as though the Fisher Cats will boast pitching staff that includes Alek Manoah and possibly Adam Kloffenstein at some point this year.

In other notes, from the Blue Jays game against the Yankees, Bo Bichette hit his first two homeruns of the spring as he went 3 for 3 and Teoscar Hernandez also hit his second homerun of the spring.  Trent Thornton made his first start and second appearance of the spring, throwing three shutout innings.

The Blue Jays will be back at it on Thursday with Steven Matz making his fourth start.