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Toronto Blue Jays: 3 factors which will impact success in June

By Jose Alfonso Taboada

May 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) and center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) take batting practice before a game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) and center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) take batting practice before a game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays
May 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Joe Biagini (31) throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

3) The rotation returns to normal, but gives hope for the future

Not only did May surprise Blue Jays fans by getting close to a .500 without most of their opening day starters, but their pitching has stepped up in ways nobody could have imagined.

Let’s take Ryan Tepera for example. Tepera in the month of May was a surprise to many fans.

He ended up with a 2-0 record with 18 strikeouts, seven walks issued and more importantly, a 0.54 ERA. He also held his opponents to a batting average of .194. Impressive for somebody who came in for 13 appearances thanks to the consistent starting rotation injuries.

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Which brings us to the man of the hour, or month I should say.

Joe Biagini was put into the rotation after the losses of Happ, Liriano and Aaron Sanchez (who at this time, is still rehabbing before he comes back).

For somebody who was rumoured to be in the rotation during spring training, Biagini sure has made his case to be considered as a starter in the long run.

His debut impressed many, throwing four innings in his first big league career start, allowing just two hits and no earned runs, while recording four strikeouts.

Overall, despite going 1-2, Biagini has thrown 23.1 innings in his five starts, enough to keep the bullpen fresh and get more time to warm up. With 20 strikeouts and 3.86 ERA, one may argue he’ll settle in just fine.

In his latest start, Biagini threw career highs with 95 pitches and seven strikeouts, while lasting six innings. It was his first career quality start and his best to date.

Happ returned to the rotation with a bit of a tough outing. Against the Cincinnati Reds, he threw 67 pitches and three strikeouts over 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and one earned run.

As for Liriano, he made a rehab start for Buffalo. In that appearance he went only 4.1 innings, yet thrwq seven strikeouts. As mentioned in the previous slide, he returns to his spot in the rotation Friday night against the Yankees.

Then there’s Sanchez. The issue with his finger continues to be a problem and admitted that the injury isn’t getting any easier. The time table for his return has yet to be confirmed.

Now that Happ and Liriano have reclaimed their spots, and with Sanchez still struggling with his finger, Biagini might continue to get more starting time. However, at one point or another, Biagini is sure to return to the bullpen. Yet with a good amount of starting experience and continuing to develop his skill, expect Biagini to continue to fight his way to get back in the rotation in the future.

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