Toronto Blue Jays: Evaluating the postseason pitching plan

The Gamble – Nate Pearson

This is a long shot in the truest sense of the word, but it’s tough to leave a 6’6, 250-pound top rated prospect who throws 97-99 m.p.h off a list of potential playoff starters.

But Nate Pearson‘s tag is “The Gamble” for a reason. There’s a solid chance he doesn’t even make the postseason roster.

Sidelined by an elbow problem since mid-August, the fireballing right-hander has missed considerable time in what was supposed to be his coming out party this season.

In his four starts, Pearson was less than impressive. Currently, he sports an inflated ERA over six, and has given up five home runs.

He would be on an incredibly short leash, but 99 m.p.h is 99 m.p.h., no matter who throws it. There is also a distinct lack of tape on Pearson, meaning if he could make some adjustments from his pre-injury days, he could surprise an opposing lineup that most likely has not faced him before.

It would be a true roll of the dice. However, if making the playoffs is still a bonus for this team (as was the consensus at the start of the truncated season), then maybe some trial by fire for Pearson could pay off, either presently, or down the road.

The Vets – Tanner Roark, Chase Anderson

Given the up-and-down nature of both Tanner Roark and Chase Anderson this season, it’s hard to see either one of these two innings-eaters getting handed the ball for a pivotal game late in a playoff series.

That being said, Roark’s playoff experience and Anderson’s veteran moxie make them both valuable voices in the dugout. Both could also see action out of the bullpen, or in long relief.