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:
đčRHP Nate Pearson recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight
đč 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 Greenâs tenure as a Blue Jay, itâd be âinjury filledâ, as he missed most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, getting into games in the final two months. This time, itâs 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 6â6â right-handed pitcher has pitched 6.1 innings and hasnât 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%.Â
Still, itâs a bit confusing as to why this move wasnât made earlier, as Green wasnât 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 couldâve come in to face Aaron Judge (who gave the Yankees a 6-4 lead).
Either way, itâll 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, heâll be active in Saturdayâs game, meaning the Jays wonât 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 Sundayâs game.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.