Toronto Blue Jays: News from the Nest – Sunday, May 9

New Hampshire Fisher Cats – AA

Record: 1 – 4

Boasting a significant amount of the Blue Jays top prospects, the Fisher Cats are off to a slow start this season and have lost their last four games after winning Opening Day against the Portland Sea Dogs. The team’s pitching staff has given up 29 runs (19 earned) in five games so far this year compared to the 25 runs the batting order has driven in. The Fisher Cats would be rained out on their Wednesday game and would play a doubleheader the next day to make up for the rain out.

Performing Well:

Simeon Woods-Richardson – RHP

One of the highly touted Blue Jays prospects, Simeon Woods-Richardson made his first AA start this past week and would give up one earned run over 4.0 innings while striking out eight batters with one walk. Errors from Chavez Young and Samad Taylor allowed two runs to score on SWR (unearned) and the Fisher Cats would go on to lose the first game of the seven-inning doubleheader 9-6.

Gabriel Moreno – C

The Blue Jays #7th ranked prospect, catcher Gabriel Moreno is off to a hot start at the plate, slashing .462/.533/.692 with six hits, three doubles, and 3 RBI in 13 at-bats. Known for his defence behind the plate, Moreno currently has three starts as the catcher and has caught one base runner on three attempts to begin the campaign.

Kevin Vicuna – 1B

Playing in four games this season, first baseman Kevin Vicuna currently leads the team with five RBI and has a .429/.529/.571 slash line in 14 at-bats. He currently has two doubles and a 1.101 OPS on the season.

Zach Logue – LHP

With the media headlines being dominated by Simeon Woods-Richardson, left-hander Zach Logue runs away as the top starting pitcher this week for the Fisher Cats. He would go 5.0 innings without surrendering an earned run while only walking one batter with five strikeouts with a 1.000 WHIP earning the win for the Fisher Cats on Opening Day.

Rough Start

Samad Taylor – INF

Infielder Samad Taylor had a rough first week in AA, mustering one hit (a double) in 13 at-bats while also striking out seven times. He currently sports a .077/.200/.154 slash line with a .354 OPS and has committed three errors in the field.

Fitz Stadler – RHP

While multiple members of the bullpen have had a rough start this past week, 6’9 right-hander Fitz Stadler was hit around the most on the Fisher Cats. In 2.0 innings over two appearances, the relief pitcher has given up seven earned runs, one home run, and four hits while walking four batters. His ERA is currently at 31.50 and he has one loss on the season.

Jordan Groshans – INF

Another highly touted infielder within the Blue Jays organization, Jordan Groshans is known for his batting ability and raw power. The righty slugger had a difficult first week in AA, slashing .176/.364/.176 with three hits but none for extra bases or RBI while walking five times and striking out three in 17 at-bats. He also has two errors on the season while playing third base. On a positive note, the strikeouts are down for Groshans, an issue he struggled with in his previous minor league seasons.

Transactions

Nothing to report except for roster assignments earlier in the week.