The Blue Jays announced that right-hander Yariel Rodríguez has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to thoracic spine inflammation. Right-hander Zach Pop has been recalled as the corresponding move.
Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported earlier today that Rodríguez was dealing with some back soreness, which cropped up during his start for the Jays last night. He was delayed by back spasms during the spring and Francys Romero reports that the issue is similar, adding that the righty is heading to the club’s Dunedin facilities for now.
He got over those back spasms quickly but was optioned to the minors to start the year, not having had a chance to get fully stretched out yet. He made two starts at Triple-A, throwing 6 1/3 innings, before getting called up to the majors. He has been solid in four starts at the big league level so far, with a 4.11 earned run average in 15 1/3 innings.
It’s unclear how long the Jays expect him to be out of action but it will open up yet another hole in their rotation depth. They still have a strong front four in Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi but the options behind that group have been thinned. Mitch White and Wes Parsons were each squeezed off the roster and flipped to other teams. Alek Manoah and Bowden Francis are on the injured list, with Rodríguez now joining them. Prospect Ricky Tiedemann isn’t on the 40-man but he’s also hurt. A recent MRI showed no structural damage but he’s still about a week away from throwing again.
The Jays will need to figure out a fifth starter, though maybe not right away, thanks to where they are in the schedule. They have an off-day on Thursday this week, followed by two more on Monday and Thursday next week. They play six in a row from May 10 to 15 but then have another off-day on May 16. That gives them a bit of time to assess their options.
Manoah, who landed on the IL due to right shoulder inflammation, is currently on a rehab assignment but has been in poor form, with 18 earned runs allowed in 13 2/3 innings. He is starting for Triple-A Buffalo tonight and perhaps his performance will help the club make a decision about next steps. If either Francis or Rodríguez are able to return in the next two weeks or so, that could be another option, though it’s unclear if the health of either will allow for that. Paolo Espino is on the 40-man roster though he’s a 37-year-old journeyman and the Jays probably don’t want to rely on him for much more than a spot start.
For now, Pop will give the Jays another bullpen arm while they figure out their rotation plans. He has a 3.94 ERA in his big league career but struggled last year with a 6.59 ERA over 15 appearances. He’s been getting good results in Triple-A so far this year with a 1.86 ERA through 9 2/3 innings.
Here we go
that sounds very painful
Wow, lots of pitcher injuries all over MLB. What’s the deal?
Careful with your comment, Manfred just took another second of the pitch clock
Happens every year. People just forget about prior seasons.
Could the blue jays be more of an 81 win team?
Could, or will?
For what reason? Putting a player on the IL? Some facts, genius:
AL East, players on the IL
BOS (13): 10-day (3), 15-day (5), 60-day (5)
TBR (13): 10-day (4), 15-day (5), 60-day (4)
NYY (11): 10-day (3), 15-day (2), 60-day (6)
BAL (5): 10-day (1), 15-day (3), 60-day (1)
TOR (5): 10-day (1), 15-day (4)
Jays are the healthiest team in the division — not one player on the 60-day IL.
Your argument is that other teams have more injuries?
Have you watched any games this season Terry? Did the Jays not display poor hitting by not acquiring more hitting in the offseason? Are we to believe AAA SP is so good the Jays opted to bring up Pop who’s been in the bullpen? I think your “facts, genius” post did absolutely nothing to answer the 81 win question. At all.
Jackson Jobe had lumbar spinal inflammation and missed 3-6 months. No idea if there is a big difference between thoracic and lumbar.
EDIT: Didn’t mean this as a reply.
Terry, that’s the pace they are playing at now with one of the healthiest rosters and the article points out that there isn’t a clear option to fill this vacancy. Depth is the difference between weathering injury absences and not. It’s a good question to ask. One has to believe there is some regression coming for the underperformers on the offensive side that should help. But they’ve been relying on winning close games and there’s been a fair bit of pressure on arms to cover it all. They are treading water fine enough while the offense has been missing, but I’m not sure how much confidence I have in Paolo Espino? to give the offense a chance. Even if he does, I’m not sure the offense is even up for the task at the moment. A couple tough stretches can easily take them from a mid eighties win team (largely the consensus) to an 81 win team.
They could be a 79- or 80-win team if you prefer.
What’s your preference?
I don’t have any part of a rat to give.
You don’t have anything worthwhile to contribute either. Again.
In your opinion, but all you “contribute” is criticizing other people’s comments, so you are in no position to judge others.
Being the pot calling the kettle black doesn’t contribute anything.
My preference would be lower. I’m a fan of the team but I’d prefer they be in a clear sell stance at the deadline rather than stand pat or buy trying to come from behind like the Angels last year.
Just criticizing you, troll. To say you don’t would be a lie. As stated, you contribute nothing.
In your opinion. But contributing anything according to whatever arbitrary criteria you choose is not a prerequisite for posting.
There’s a simple solution to your self-imposed problem.
If you don’t appreciate what I have to say, ignore it and don’t respond.
It’s not my responsibility to meet any criteria of yours, and you have no right to put me or anyone else on the defensive as you enjoy doing.
In other words, you getting your panties in a bunch is your issue, not mine.
So go pound sand, ignorant one.
Once you Pop you can’t stop
LOL
Rodriguez had a good run
Chad Dallas looked good in the starts I saw in ST. Don’t know if he is at Buffalo or double A but maybe they will give him a shot.
He got off to a rough start in Buffalo.
Chad Dallas? Most Chad name in history
Meh. No biggie. Wake me up when someone serious like Trout gets hurt
WAKE UP!!
Boy that escalated fast
I think he’s injured
By the sound of things. The Jay’s should sign Grienke.. he’d be ready before the others on DL are.
The days off can help them navigate but what a wasted opportunity to give a staff that hauled a huge workload last year an extra day. Especially Gausman who was delayed and has had variable stuff outing to outing. Or Bassitt who is no spring chicken and logged 200 IP last year. I’d rather see them bullpen it for one of the spots. The days off can help the bullpen stay fresher too. And as constructed now, there are guys with options they can move up and down as needed. As well as an open 40 man spot.
Congratulations Zach! I’m sure your grandpa Iggy is thrilled. Rock on.