Blue Jays: Pitching prospects looking to bounce back in 2022

Eric Pardinho

A top ten prospect for the Jays just a couple of years ago, Eric Pardinho has experienced his fair share of hardships over the past few seasons.

Signed by the Blue Jays through international free agency back in 2017, Pardinho has always been one of the younger players in the clubhouse but has excelled when he is on the mound.

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His debut campaign in 2018 was remarkable, facing more experienced players and holding them to just 16 earned runs while earning an 11.5 K/9. He followed that with a solid 2019 campaign, spending most of the year in A ball with the Lansing Lugnuts but finished the year on the injured list with elbow problems, setting the table for the reason Pardinho is featured in this article.

The 2020 campaign took a turn for the Brazilian product, as Pardinho underwent Tommy John surgery before the season began and would be sidelined all year. Pardinho was slated to return to the mound at around the midpoint of the 2021 season but experienced some discomfort and setbacks in rehab, limiting him to just two outings and three innings in the Florida Complex League.

This upcoming season will be a rollercoaster for Pardinho, as the Blue Jays did not protect him from the Rule 5 Draft and he could be selected by another club once the offseason resumes (and if there is a draft). The Jays are most likely hoping the injury struggles will deter teams from selecting the right-hander but stranger things have happened, as opposing clubs could be willing to take a chance and hope his previous stats play at the Major League level early.

Regardless of where he plays next season, hopefully, Pardinho can take the mound and the elbow issues are behind him once and for all.