The Blue Jays have some looming bullpen decisions come September

Julian Merryweather

There are a few more intriguing options the Jays could call upon in a week, the most notable being right-hander Julian Merryweather. The hard-throwing California product has missed a majority of the season with a left abdominal strain and has been rehabbing since early August, as he is currently listed on the 60-day IL.

Merryweather has done well since returning to the mound earlier this month, having yet to allow an earned run through 6.2 innings while striking out 12 batters compared to one walk. His last four outings have been in AAA Buffalo and he is an absolute force against opposing batters, a sign that the Jays may call him up when the rosters expand in the near future (or potentially even before then).

"Blue Jays: Julian Merryweather’s importance for the rest of 2022"

The Jays may also proceed with caution considering he struggled at the MLB level earlier this season, posting a 6.38 ERA through 18.1 innings of work. He did throw to a 3.50 FIP which is encouraging and his fastball was sitting in the high-90s over his past few outings in AAA, the type of arm the Jays could use down the stretch but the risk factor is certainly there should MLB calibre hitters find a way to hit his fastball.