Blue Jays: Nate Pearson and Bryan Baker Called Up

Tuesday evening, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Blue Jays would be recalling both Nate Pearson and Bryan Baker as the rosters expand for September.

Pearson has had a disappointing 2021 season caused by a couple of injuries, that first started in Spring Training.  During the Grapefruit Season, the 25-year old right handed pitcher had to be shutdown due to a right groin strain that was first diagnosed on March 1.  Pearson had suffered setback after setback ever since that occasion, which has also included a sports hernia.

Pearson has recently been working his way back in Buffalo as a relief pitcher and had made six appearances over the last two and a half weeks of August.  His most recent outing was last night when he struck out the side in his one inning of action that helped the Bisons take down the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders 3-0.

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During his appearances in August, Pearson combined to throw six innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out eight against two walks.  Pearson will be pitching out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season with the Blue Jays.

Baker was acquired as a player to be named later back in 2018 in exchange for Seunghwan Oh at the trade deadline.

Baker had first started his minor league career as a starting pitcher, but was moved to a full-time bullpen arm back in his second professional season back in 2017.  This year, pitching out of the bullpen for the Buffalo Bisons, Baker had collected nine saves over 33 appearances while posting a 1.32 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.  The 26-year old had struck out 40 batters over 34 innings.

The Blue Jays bullpen will be given some help as Ken Rosenthal reported that the club plans on recalling both Nate Pearson and Bryan Baker.

Baker has had an impressive August that has seen him make eight appearances and allowed just one earned run over that time.  In his last three appearances, Baker had allowed just one base runner and did not surrender a run.

Baker will need to be added to the 40-man roster, but they do have one spot currently open as Brad Hand was designated for assignment on Tuesday.

Do you see Pearson as a bullpen arm for the 2022 or do you think he will be moved back to the starting rotation?