4 Blue Jays spring training overreactions after first week of action

Trevor Richards can't be counted on this season

Richards has been an integral piece for the Blue Jays in recent times. He plays his role of soaking up innings really well. It's still early enough that he hasn't had to soak up that many innings just yet. Unfortunately, Richards has had to wear the dubious distinction of giving up Juan Soto's first un-official home run in a Yankees uniform.

Last season, Richards appeared to be on a roll until a mid-season injury derailed a promising campaign. In 12 games down the stretch last season, batters hit .302 against him in only 12.1 innings. That struggle had the effect of making his season seem subpar, even if the early part was very strong.

The projections call for a positive return for Richards this season. The peripherals look good and predict solid strikeout and walk numbers. Now a year older, it will be harder for Richards to tap into his 2022 greatness. Richards is one of the pitchers like Pearson who need a solid spring to justify their continued presence on this roster.