This Blue Jay was quietly the teams MVP in June

The Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up June with a big 5-4 win over the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on Monday night, giving them a 16-10 record in the month of June. While they only scored six runs less than they did in May (136-130) they gave up 13 more runs (124-111) giving them a +6 run differential over the last 30 days. This indicates the Blue Jays margin for error relative to their success was pretty thin and one of the reasons they managed to escape with a net-positive record is thanks to the work out of the bullpen of Yariel Rodriguez.

The 28-year-old really solidified himself as a late inning option in the Blue Jays bullpen at a time of need and desperation. With Yimi Garcia sidelined, Chad Green underperforming and getting good performances from mostly unproven talent in the bullpen, Rodriguez stepped up in a big way.

In nine games he threw 11 innings, giving up just three runs on five hits and striking out ten batters. He kept opponents to a .132 batting average against and allowed just 13 total bases with a .195 on-base percentage for opposing hitters. Overall, this season, Rodriguez has shown he can be just effective against both right- and left-handed hitters as righties have hit just .163 with a .544 OPS against him; lefties have batted .180 with a .677 OPS.

While the Blue Jays have made a habit of coming from behind to win games this season (23 comeback wins leads the league), Rodriguez has done a phenomenal job of pitching with a lead. In 18 such appearances, Rodriguez has allowed just eight runs, while striking out 23 batters and walking just three. In situations that are considered high leverage, Rodriguez has allowed just four hits against 39 batters, holding the opposition to a .118 batting average.

While the Blue Jays will likely be looking for a reinforcement (or two) at the deadline to bolster up the bullpen, Rodriguez stemmed the tide throughout the month of June and showed the best version of himself when the Blue Jays needed him to.