Two Blue Jays prospects who are still recovering from long-term injuries

With the minor leagues ramping up, let's check in on a pair of Toronto Blue Jays prospects who are currently on the shelf but could get back on the field this season.

Right-handed pitcher Joey Murray underwent Tommy John surgery last May and is currently ranked by FanGraphs as the Jays' 41st prospect. The 26-year-old has struggled to stay healthy after moving through three levels in 2019.

Following the canceled 2020 season, he made one appearance in 2021 before missing the remainder of the year with an elbow strain. He only got through 20.2 innings last season before going under the knife in May.

Murray should get back on the field this season, likely in the second half. It remains to be seen what his stuff looks like and where he fits in the organization's plans. FanGraphs' scouting report envisions him filling a short relief role if he can regain the high-80s/low-90s velocity he had before the health issues.

Trent Palmer, another right-hander, had Tommy John surgery last August, so he will return later than Murray. The 24-year-old currently ranks as the Jays' 25th prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Per MLB Pipeline, there's some hope he might get some time on the mound in the Arizona Fall League this year. Before his injury, the former third-round pick had shown some impressive stuff in the minors, with "one of the most unique mixes of pitches in the organization" and being able to create "movement in every direction."

In 2021, Palmer threw 63 innings with a 3.00 ERA and 83 strikeouts. Between his 31.2% strikeout rate and 50% ground ball rate, he didn't surrender a single home run. He also gained some notoriety for tossing not one, but two 7-inning no-hitters that season, with a combined 19 punch outs.

If Palmer can get back on the field before the end of the season, MLB Pipeline is confident that in 2024 he should be able to "slide right back into the upper Minors and offer the Blue Jays some nice starting depth with the 'bulldog' presence on the mound he's become known for."