Nate Pearson 'would love to' get another shot as a starting pitcher

Nate Pearson, the Blue Jays No. 1 prospect from 2020 'would love to' get another shot as a starting pitcher, he said last week prior to his club's series against the Giants in San Francisco.

"I've definitely considered it, I've always wanted to be a starter. ... Obviously the past couple of years before this haven't really gone my way in terms of health, the guys we've signed, the roster spots and everything. So, right now, I'm coming out of the (bull)pen, trying to help our team win, whether it's one inning, two innings. Looking into next year, if that's an option, then I definitely want to explore it. That's something I'll have to sit down and talk with them about, see what the need is. But I'm definitely open to it, definitely would love to get another shot at it."

- Nate Pearson

Pearson came up in the Blue Jays system as a starter, but after struggling during his transition to the big leagues, he's been a full-time reliever for a couple years now. Pearson, still only 27 years of age, has appeared in 39 games so far this season and has been quite reliable. He owns a 1.50 WHIP in 37.1 innings pitched this year.

The Blue Jays current rotation of Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Yusei Kikuchi, and Yariel Rodriguez is a very strong one, but this rotation could look drastically different come August depending on which route the Blue Jays front office takes at the trade deadline. With Alek Manoah out for the rest of this season, but slated to return around this time next year, that's another arm competing for a rotation spot.

The success of White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet this season has got to be very motivating for Pearson, who is looking to do the exact same thing - turn relative bullpen success into even more success as a starter. Reynaldo Lopez on the Braves, Zack Littell on the Rays and even old friend Jordan Hicks, now on the Giants, are other examples.

Pearson is under contract with the Blue Jays for the next two seasons, it's going to be interesting to see how he's utilized beyond the current campaign. Bowden Francis also expressed a desire to get a shot at starting and the Jays granted it, so we'll see how they proceed with Pearson.