Toronto Blue Jays: A Look at Joe Biagini’s first start

As Aaron Sanchez and J.A. Happ are still healing from injuries, the Toronto Blue Jays turned to Joe Biagini on Sunday afternoon and they received what they had anticipated.

With Mat Latos showcasing a poor performance for the Toronto Blue Jays, it was only fair to designate him for assignment. As a result, John Gibbons decided to go with Joe Biagini for the game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Biagini has always been a reliever but has showed he can pitch well, especially as a starter.

From Reliever To Starter

The transition from being a reliever to a starting pitcher isn’t exactly simple math. They are quite different roles, especially through their mechanics.

The difference between starting and relieving can be compared to running a marathon and a sprint. Relievers throw fewer types of pitches, but they don’t have as much time to warm up if they get the call.

Starters throw more types of pitches, but they are lucky to know when they will pitch. In addition they have more time to warm up.

Joe Biagini: The Starter

Biagini showed great potential as a starter for the Jays on Sunday. Considering he was asked to start a game for the first time in his career with only two days notice, this shows Biagini’s growth and honourability.

The Toronto Blue Jays asked a lot of Biagini. However, he dominated and showed that he earned the right to another start in the Jays rotation.

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Biagini dominated the game through first pitch strikes, which were prominent in the game. Biagini’s key pitch was the curve ball, which contained a big break. He used it efficiently in the game.

Biagini was able to retire all the first six batters he faced and was able to help the Blue Jays attain a 2-1 win over the Rays, by keeping them in the game. It was nice for Biagini to show no fear and no panic. He did what was expected of him and he should be proud.

He pitched four innings allowing no earned runs, two hits, no walks and four strikeouts. The only score allowed was due to an error by Devon Travis. Overall, it will be interesting to see how Biagini’s next start goes.

Next: Joe Biagini will start again

As it was nice for fans to see Biagini pitch well, it was also a pleasure for his teammates. Darwin Barney discussed Biagini’s game with Sportsnet:

"“It’s fun to play behind guys like him that attack the strike zone, get ahead of hitters and give you a lot of work on the infield.”"