Blue Jays: Tiedemann and Zulueta shine in Futures Game

Last night was the All-Star Futures Game, a showcase of some of the top prospects from both the AL and NL in a one-game, winner takes all event that gives fans a chance to see some of the brightest stars of the future. Past Blue Jays who have taken part in the Futures Game include Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

This year, the Blue Jays had two representatives, the organization’s top-ranked pitching prospect and #63 ranked Ricky Tiedemann and right-hander Yosver Zulueta (ranked at #19). Tiedemann started the year in Single-A but was promoted to High-A back in mid-May while Zulueta was promoted to AA New Hampshire a couple of weeks ago.

Tiedemann has been one of the hottest pitching prospects since being drafted in the third round last year. The southpaw owns a combined 2.13 ERA through 14 starts with a 3.3 BB/9 and a 13.7 K/9. While his last three starts have not been his sharpest, he has seven starts this season where he has gone 4.0+ innings without allowing an earned run.

Zulueta made headlines last year in Spring Training but missed a majority of the season after tearing his ACL in the first inning of his first start in Single-A. Back to full health in 2022, the Cuban product owns a 3.70 ERA through 41.1 innings across three leagues this season.

Blue Jays prospects Ricky Tiedemann and Yosver Zuluea pitched in the MLB Futures All-Star game this past weekend and both turned in great results.

Last night, both Tiedemann and Zulueta saw some game action against the NL Futures prospects. Zulueta entered the game in the second inning in a tough position. There were two outs and runners on the corners with New York Mets’ top prospect (and #2 ranked in MLB) Francisco Alvarez at the plate. The Jays prospect was able to get him to ground out to second base and got out of the inning, and ultimately being credited with the win.

Tiedemann came into the game in the fifth inning and was able to retire all three batters via ground out, fly out, and line out. He faced Brewers prospect Jackson Chourio, Reds prospect Elly De La Cruz, and Nationals prospect Darren Baker (and son of manager Dusty Baker), who almost snagged a hit off Tiedemann but outfielder Oscar Colas made a diving grab to secure the out.

Overall, it was a strong showing by the Blue Jays prospects last night and hopefully a sign of good things to come for the future of the pitching prospect within the organization.