The Toronto Blue Jays are causing some serious issues in their bullpen
Photo credit: Jays Journal
The Toronto Blue Jays haven't had the kind of start they hoped for this year, but they're still very much in the AL East race.
Since the Blue Jays have dug themselves into an early-season hole, they're trying to capitalize on every win opportunity, which has already led to heavy bullpen usage, especially with some Opening Day starters either injured or sent to the minors.
The Blue Jays appear to be putting too much pressure on their relievers.
That's a significant concern moving forward writes Brad Wakai from the Toronto Blue Jays On Si.
As Thomas Hall of Blue Jays Nation noted, almost half of the bullpen's 129 innings so far have been thrown by just four pitchers, Jeff Hoffman, Yimi Garcia, Chad Green, and Brendon Little, all of whom are on track to set career highs in appearances, innings, or both.
"Toronto has to find better ways to incorporate their other relievers going forward, and that falls on both the coaching staff and the players who need to show they can get outs in high-leverage situations." -Wakai
Some of the pressure could ease once the offense finds its rhythm. If the Blue Jays can build bigger leads, it would allow manager John Schneider to lean more on relievers beyond his core four. Still, it's worrisome how limited his trusted bullpen options appear to be right now.
"Something needs to change, or else by the time Toronto figures things out at the plate and in their starting rotation, the bullpen will be too gassed to close out games when they matter the most." -Wakai
The Blue Jays are back in action on Wednesday night at 9:38pm against the Los Angeles Angels.
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MAI 7 | 1830 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays are causing some serious issues in their bullpen Will the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Angels tonight in the final game of their series? | ||
| yes | 1068 | 58.4 % |
| no | 762 | 41.6 % |
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