A Blue Jays reliever is once again on the 15-day Injured List.
On Saturday evening, it was reported that Chad Green would hit the 15-day Injured List, while the team was recalling Nate Pearson.
ROSTER MOVES:
RHP Nate Pearson recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight
RHP Chad Green (right teres major strain) placed on 15-day IL, retroactive to April 17 pic.twitter.com/R3l3tAIMvQ
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 20, 2024
If there was a phrase to describe Green’s tenure as a Blue Jay, it’d be “injury filled”, as he missed most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, getting into games in the final two months. This time, it’s because of a strain in his right lat, according to Hazel Mae.
Chad Green has been placed on the IL with a right teres major strain (lat).. Nate Pearson has been called up. #BlueJays
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) April 20, 2024
In reality, Person should have never been sent down as he is having a great start to his 2024 season. The 6’6” right-handed pitcher has pitched 6.1 innings and hasn’t given up a run while owning a 1.78 FIP. His 34.6 K% is the highest of his career, while the 11.5 BB% is on the high side.
Fun Fact: When you take into account Nate Pearson's extension on that 102.3 pitch yesterday, it was the fastest pitch thrown in terms of "perceived velocity" by a Blue Jay in the Statcast era:
Pearson (Apr 14, '24) 103.7
Hicks (Aug 19, '23) 103.6
HIcks (Sep 3, '23) 103.6 pic.twitter.com/fNOCc7GQIv— Chris Black (@DownToBlack) April 15, 2024
With that being said, Green has also had a solid season so far, posting a 2.35 ERA and a 5.55 FIP in 7.2 innings pitched, along with a 25 K% and a 7.1 BB%.
Still, it’s a bit confusing as to why this move wasn’t made earlier, as Green wasn’t available in the series finale against the Yankees, forcing the Jays to use Erik Swanson in a pretty big spot in his first game this season. Had Pearson been on the active roster, he could have been used in that spot, and definitely could’ve come in to face Aaron Judge (who gave the Yankees a 6-4 lead).
Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how Pearson does in his return to the Jays, as the great start is an encouraging sign for what has been a very injury-filled career. Thankfully, he’ll be active in Saturday’s game, meaning the Jays won’t be down a reliever in their bullpen.
The Jays play the San Diego Padres, and have an opportunity to win their fourth straight series with a win in either Saturday or Sunday’s game.
me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!