Blue Jays: Numerous pitchers standing out early in the AAA bullpen

Jeremy Beasley

While fans may remember Jeremy Beasley from last season (eight earned runs through 9.1 innings), the right-hander has found a groove early with the Bisons in 2022. He primarily works out of the bullpen in a long-relief role, with eight outings requiring him to go 2+ innings, but also has two starts on the year due to his past experience in the rotation.

Beasley did not give up his first earned run until his seventh outing on the year and currently leads all Bisons relief pitchers with 28 strikeouts on the season. A versatile pitcher who can give the team some innings if needed, I wonder if he can transition that success back to the big league level or will fans see him get hit around again like last season if he finds himself back on the active roster.

Graham Spraker

Reliever Graham Spraker has been on the radar of any Blue Jays fan who watches the club’s prospect system after his impressive 2021 campaign.

Spending most of the year in AA, Spraker impressed many when he finished the campaign with a 2.74 ERA through 42.2 innings of work, amassing a 13.1 K/9 and a 1.219 WHIP on the year. He did struggle a bit with the command and did have an elevated 4.9 BB/9 to finish out the season but didn’t slow down when he suited up in the Arizona Fall League, allowing just four hits through 11.1 innings with zero earned runs.

Starting the season with a promotion to AAA, Spraker has picked up right where he left off, owning a 2.89 ERA through 13 outings while allowing just six earned runs off nine hits. While he has been keeping runs off the board, his command is wilder than ever this year, allowing 19 free passes and sporting a 9.2 BB/9 through almost two months. This will obviously need to be reeled in before any potential promotion to the Blue Jays roster but once he can keep the walks in check, the sky is the limit.