The comeback of Ricky Tiedemann provides Blue Jays with important questions about his future

It wasn’t too long ago when Ricky Tiedemann was one of the up-and-coming elite pitching prospects in the Toronto Blue Jays' system. However, injury woes, including undergoing Tommy John surgery, has set back his once-promising young career in recent years, leaving Tiedemann as somewhat of a question mark for the Blue Jays going forward.

Now officially back to hopefully full health in 2026, the 23-year-old left-hander finally began his long road back this past Wednesday, making his season debut with Triple-A Buffalo. He threw a scoreless inning with one walk, one whiff while touching close to 98 mph with his pitching velocity. With the comeback of Tiedemann officially underway, it raises important questions about his future with the Blue Jays.

Is Ricky Tiedemann's path to the big leagues as a starter or a reliever in the Blue Jays organization?

Without question, given his stuff and pitch arsenal, Tiedemann is built to be a potential bonafide starting pitcher in the major leagues. But his path is becoming eerily similar to that of former Blue Jays can’t-miss pitching prospect Nate Pearson. A slew of injuries would ultimately force Pearson to be utilized more in a relief role to preserve his arm and health. The Jays could be approaching Tiedemann just as carefully and could keep him as a reliever to maximize his health and effectiveness down the road.

Another question is, will the left-hander be ramped up enough to see any potential action with the Blue Jays in September? Tiedemann had already reached the Triple-A level in 2024, prior to his Tommy John surgery. He will now likely get in at least a few relief appearances between now and the final month of the season.

With Toronto currently short of some quality relievers in their bullpen, a strong showing by Tiedemann in the coming weeks could perhaps earn him a September cameo with the big league team, especially if there is no chance of the Blue Jays getting to the playoffs.

Giving him that opportunity could mean a lot to both Tiedemann as a person and as a player. It would instill much confidence in a former top prospect. On top of that, the Blue Jays could get a feel to see what they have in him, ahead of the 2027 MLB season.

Tiedemann may have an outside shot of cracking the rotation next year if he's ale to build up his innings. He could also develop into a potential lights-out arm in the bullpen. Seeing Tiedemann in big league action soon would give the Jays a glimpse of what he can provide and how he will fit in their long term plans.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow