The Toronto Blue Jays made some significant moves this offseason to strengthen their pitching lineup, with Dylan Cease as the standout acquisition. Their rotation, already deep with talent, expanded further with the addition of Max Scherzer. But the signing that might prove most pivotal is Cody Ponce.
As the season kicks off, the Blue Jays face a few setbacks with Trey Yesavage, José Berrios, and Shane Bieber all sidelined due to arm injuries. Bieber's dealing with forearm fatigue, Yesavage has a shoulder impingement, and Berrios is nursing a stress fracture in his elbow. This means Scherzer and Eric Lauer, initially considered for bullpen roles, will step into the rotation for now.
Kevin Gausman is set to take the mound on Opening Day, followed by Cease and Lauer in the opening series against the Athletics. This lineup paves the way for Cody Ponce's debut with the Blue Jays in the series opener against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies offer a favorable matchup for Ponce to ease into his role, and his Spring Training performance suggests he's more than ready.
Cody Ponce: The Blue Jays' Secret Weapon
Ponce impressed during Spring Training, starting five games and pitching 13.2 innings with a remarkable 0.66 ERA and 12 strikeouts. His ability to miss bats was evident, reminiscent of his dominant season in the KBO. While MLB hitters will eventually adjust, Ponce's skills, combined with the expertise of pitching coach Pete Walker, suggest a promising season ahead.
Ponce's journey in MLB has been brief, with just 6.2 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020 and 2021. After revitalizing his career in Japan, he returned to the MLB, fresh off an MVP season with a 17-1 record and a 1.89 ERA. At 32, Ponce is poised to make a significant impact.
This spring, Ponce's command varied, but he showcased his aggressive approach in the zone. He notched two strikeouts with his four-seam fastball, clocking in at 94.5 mph and touching 96.5, along with three more using his new changeup.
His best outing was against the Yankees, where he allowed just one hit over 5.2 innings, striking out five. Even though the Yankees' lineup wasn't at full strength, Ponce's performance hinted at his potential to shine against top-tier competition.
If Ponce can deliver standout performances against teams like the Yankees, he'll quickly become a fan favorite in Toronto. The Blue Jays' pitching depth, bolstered by Ponce's emergence, sets the stage for an exciting season.