Toronto Blue Jays 2019 season preview: Starting rotation boasts strong talent
By Austin Owens
Matt Shoemaker
Shoemaker seems like he’s a player that’s been around for a while, but he’s only been a major leaguer since 2013.
He had spent 11 years in the Los Angeles Angels organization. After the team decided to go in another direction this past offseason, Shoemaker joined the Blue Jays on a one-year, $3.5-million contract.
One team’s loss is another’s gain, as the Jays got a veteran starter into the fold without having to give up assets. He owns a career 3.93 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and a K/9 of 8.09.
"“He’s got some deception, he’s got some funk in his delivery. His secondary stuff is really good and the split was always a pitch guys on our team had a tough time squaring up. His slider carries the zone and has the look of his heater. That’s an important pitch for him and when that’s getting some weak contact, he’s in pretty good shape. The fastball plays as well, he’s aggressive in the zone and he forces contact,” pitching coach Pete Walker told Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi back in February."
The 32-year-old has struggled as of late with injuries, pitching just 108 2/3 innings over the past two seasons. He finished with over 130 innings in all three seasons prior to that.
In 2018, he fashioned a 2-2 record with a 4.94 ERA and 3.35 FIP over seven appearances.
Shoemaker’s stats suggest that he could be a solid pickup for the team. He’s being given the opportunity to pitch in the top half of the rotation. If he can return to past form, he’ll form a solid top three starters alongside Stroman and Aaron Sanchez.