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The Toronto Blue Jays are one week into spring training with a record of 4-3. They’ve been blown out already (8-2 loss by Detroit) and have blown out team (a 13-4 win against Baltimore). That’s to be expected this early in spring training, as players are still trying to find their groove before opening day. With that being said, there have been a couple of things worth noting so far in spring training, so let’s quickly run through them.
Josh Palacios
Odds are before the seasons started, you didn’t know a ton about the 25-year-old prospect, but you do now. Palacios has a .455 batting average with one home run and 6 RBI’s through spring training. He certainly has caught the attention of Blue Jays management and fans so far this spring.
As of right now, the Jays have their four outfielders set in stone, but if an injury or something leads to the team needing to call-up an outfielder, Palacios is putting himself into that conversation.
Nate Pearson
The Blue Jays young pitcher is now dealing with a Grade 1 right groin strain and is currently considered day-to-day. The Blue Jays will be extra patient with their young power thrower as they need him in this rotation this season.
At the moment, there isn’t a ton to be overly concerned about, as groin strains happen from time to time. If Pearson still isn’t throwing in a week or two, then maybe we start to worry. Right now, it’s a groin strain at the start of spring training; let’s all take a deep breath.
Rowdy Tellez
Tellez is playing like a player who desperately wants the DH spot, and If he keeps playing like this, he might just get it.
Tellez has an element in his game that is coveted, pure raw power in the bat. If he connects, he can absolutely destroy a baseball. His biggest issue is patience at the plate and not swinging at bad pitches.
That’s one area of his game he has improved on so far this spring training, as in 12 at-bats, Tellez is hitting .333 with an OPS of .917. He also is a left-handed batter in a right-handed heavy lineup, making him an attractive player to play against right-handed pitchers.
Austin Martin
The Blue Jays are still giving reps at shortstop, which might be a move just to get him comfortable playing against big-league talent.
Still, the question needs to be asked if this is the right move. Yes, the Blue Jays have preached versatility with their 2020 1st round pick but is it really the right move to get him comfortable playing a position that will likely be Bo Bichette’s for the foreseeable future.
It’s still so early in his development that it might not be the biggest thing to worry about right now, but it’s just something that a little noticeable, and it will be interesting to see if he gets some reps in other positions moving forward.
Other quick notes
Biggio looks to be settling into his new home at third base, as once again, his versatility is paying off nicely for the Blue Jays.
Some of the more experienced pitchers, like Ryu, Matz, and Ray, have looked strong so far, and hopefully, they can keep that up.
George Springer looks like he will fit very nicely on this team, to no one’s surprise.
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