Toronto Blue Jays: Report Card for first half of 2020 season
By Ryan Patrick
Bullpen has been team’s saving grace
The bullpen has been a completely different story and a breath of fresh air. Expected to be one of the weak points of the team coming into the season, many relievers have stepped up and helped the Blue Jays win some important close games.
Just how much has the pen been relied on? Toronto’s bullpen has pitched 140.2 innings so far this season, the fifth-most in the league. Jordan Romano and Anthony Bass have by far been the best of the bunch, with both being relied upon in high-leverage situations. It doesn’t help that Ken Giles has missed most of the season with a strained right forearm, as he was being counted on to be the team’s closer.
Just how impressive have Romano and Bass been?
Anthony Bass: 15 IP, 1.80 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 12 K’s, 3 walks, 3/4 in save opportunities, 2 holds, .163 opponent batting average.
Jordan Romano: 14.2 IP, 1.23 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 21 K’s, 5 walks, 2/3 in save opportunities, 5 holds, .154 opponent batting average.
It doesn’t stop with just these two though. Anthony Kay, Rafael Dolis, Ryan Borucki, Wilmer Font, and Shun Yamaguchi have all come through when called upon. Here’s how the Jays stack up against the rest of the league when it comes to their bullpen.
IP: 140.2 (5th)
ERA: 3.26 (4th)
WHIP: 1.29 (T-13th)
K/9: 9.79 (10th)
BB/9: 4.67 (22nd)
HR/9: 0.64 (3rd)
Opponent batting average: .210 (T-5th)
Saves: 8 (12th)
Blown Saves: 8 (T-28th)
While the seven blown saves are obviously concerning, every other stat points to the bullpen being a success thus far. With Ken Giles appearing to be close to returning, hopefully, these numbers will only improve from here.
Grade: A-