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Toronto Blue Jays: News from the Nest – Sunday, July 4

By Tyson Shushkewich

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Elvis Luciano #65 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Elvis Luciano #65 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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LAKELAND, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: Kevin Smith #78 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers during a spring training game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 19, 2021 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

To find previous News from the Nest articles, please find them in the links below:

May 9

May 23

June 6 

June 20

Buffalo Bisons – AAA

Record: 30 – 20

Playing Well:

Kevin Smith – INF

Currently leading the team in OPS (.970), Kevin Smith is putting together a really solid campaign. His .282/.387/.582 line is one of the highest on the Bisons right now and he leads the squad in home runs and RBI with 12 and 40 respectively.

Smith has also been moved around the diamond, starting to get reps at third base as well as left field. The versatility may help make the jump to the major leagues and if he keeps hitting the ball well, his only hurdle will be finding a spot on the 40-man roster.

The Bullpen

The Bison’s bullpen has been strong for most of the season, with a few players really standing out. I will let the numbers speak for themselves:

Curtis Taylor: 0.93 ERA; 9.2 IP; 1 earned run; 4 walks; 14 strikeouts

Connor Overton: 1.59 ERA; 39.2 IP; 7 earned runs; 8 walks; 34 strikeouts

Bryan Baker: 2.00 ERA; 18.0 IP; 4 earned runs; 12 walks; 22 strikeouts

Kirby Snead: 2.25 ERA; 24.0 IP; 6 earned runs; 9 walks; 32 strikeouts

Hobie Harris: 3.15 ERA; 20.0 IP; 7 earned runs; 8 walks; 28 strikeouts

Rough Times:

Nate Pearson – RHP

After starting the season on the injured list, Blue Jays’ top prospect Nate Pearson is having a rough 2021 campaign. After getting shelled in his first major league start this year, Pearson is also having difficulty down in the minors, pitching to a 4.74 ERA over five starts and six appearances.

The right-hander was dealt some more bad news as he is back on the injured list with another groin strain. While talented, the former first-round draft pick is having injury troubles at the worst time, in a season where he could have bumped others from the major league rotation and prove he belongs in the big leagues.

Transactions:

To the Blue Jays

LHP Nick Allgeyer, OF Jonathan Davis, and RHP Anthony Castro (who was recently demoted) were promoted to the Blue Jays roster.

Rehab Assignments

LHP Tommy Milone, C Danny Jansen (who is now back with Toronto), C Alejandro Kirk, RHP Rafael Dolis, and RHP John Axford are all now in AAA.

Demoted

C Riley Adams, RHP Patrick Murphy, 1B Rowdy Tellez, LHP Travis Bergen, and RHP Joel Payamps were all demoted from the big league club to AAA.

Free Agency

OF Jared Hoying has elected for free agency after being sent outright to the minors.

Injuries

RHP Nate Pearson is on the 7-day IL with a right groin strain.

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