Toronto Blue Jays Pitchers: 2020 Season Review

The Toronto Blue Jays' 2020 season was one of unexpected twists, turns, and resilience. In this article, we'll dive deep into the pitching staff that helped navigate the team through a unique and challenging year. Let's explore the key players, their performances, and the overall impact they had on the Blue Jays' journey.

The Unusual 2020 Season

The 2020 Major League Baseball season was unprecedented, shortened to just 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant every game mattered even more, and the performance of the pitching staff was under a brighter spotlight than ever. The Blue Jays, unable to play in Toronto, had to find a temporary home in Buffalo, New York, adding another layer of complexity to the season. Despite these challenges, the team managed to secure a playoff spot, marking a significant step forward for the franchise.

Key Starting Pitchers

In 2020, the Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation was a mix of established veterans and promising young talents. Leading the charge were several key pitchers who significantly impacted the team's performance. Let's take a closer look at some of these pivotal players:

Hyun-Jin Ryu

Hyun-Jin Ryu was the ace the Blue Jays needed. Acquired in the offseason, Ryu immediately stepped into the role of staff leader, providing stability and experience to a young team. His performance in 2020 was nothing short of excellent, posting a 2.69 ERA in 12 starts. Ryu's command of the strike zone, coupled with his ability to mix speeds effectively, made him a tough opponent for any lineup. His presence on the mound was crucial in setting the tone for the team, and his leadership in the clubhouse was invaluable.

Taijuan Walker

Taijuan Walker added much-needed depth to the rotation after being acquired in a trade. Walker's arrival provided a boost to the Blue Jays' pitching options, giving the team a reliable arm to count on down the stretch. In his appearances, Walker showcased a solid repertoire, keeping hitters off balance and consistently delivering quality innings. His ability to step in and perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the team as they pushed for a playoff berth.

Tanner Roark

Tanner Roark was brought in to be a veteran presence, but his performance was inconsistent. While he showed flashes of his past success, Roark struggled to find consistency and often found himself battling command issues. Despite his challenges, Roark's experience was still a valuable asset in the clubhouse, as he provided guidance and mentorship to the younger pitchers on the team. The Blue Jays hoped for more stability from Roark, but his contributions were ultimately limited.

Robbie Ray

Robbie Ray joined the Blue Jays mid-season and had a rough start. Known for his high strikeout rate, Ray struggled with control, leading to high pitch counts and early exits. However, the Blue Jays saw potential in Ray's raw talent and believed that with some adjustments, he could become a valuable asset. Despite his initial struggles, Ray's work ethic and determination were evident, and the team remained optimistic about his future contributions.

Bullpen Highlights

The bullpen is a critical component of any successful team, and the Blue Jays' bullpen in 2020 had its share of standout performances. These relief pitchers played crucial roles in securing wins and keeping the team competitive throughout the season. Here are some of the key contributors:

Rafael Dolis

Rafael Dolis emerged as a key figure in the Blue Jays' bullpen, providing a reliable arm in high-leverage situations. With his experience and composure on the mound, Dolis quickly became one of the team's go-to relievers. His ability to handle pressure and consistently deliver quality innings made him an invaluable asset to the Blue Jays as they battled for a playoff spot.

Anthony Bass

Anthony Bass was a steady presence in the late innings. Acquired before the season, Bass quickly established himself as a reliable option for manager Charlie Montoyo. His ability to generate ground balls and limit damage made him a valuable asset in close games. Bass's consistency and dependability were crucial in solidifying the Blue Jays' bullpen.

Jordan Romano

Jordan Romano had a breakout season, establishing himself as a dominant force in the Blue Jays' bullpen. With his electric stuff and fearless approach, Romano quickly became a key figure in high-leverage situations. His ability to consistently shut down opposing hitters and close out games made him an invaluable asset to the team. Romano's emergence as a top-tier reliever provided a major boost to the Blue Jays' pitching staff.

Performance Analysis

Analyzing the performance of the Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff in 2020 reveals a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While the team had some standout individual performances, there were also areas where improvement was needed. Here's a closer look at the key statistics and trends:

Key Statistics

The Blue Jays' pitching staff posted a collective ERA of 4.60, which was in the middle of the pack in the American League. While the starters showed flashes of brilliance, consistency was an issue throughout the season. The bullpen, however, was a bright spot, with several relievers stepping up to deliver quality innings. The team's strikeout rate was also a positive, as they ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts per nine innings.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the main strengths of the Blue Jays' pitching staff was its depth. With a mix of veteran experience and young talent, the team had several options to turn to in different situations. However, consistency was a persistent issue, as many pitchers struggled to maintain their performance throughout the season. The team's control also needed improvement, as they ranked among the league leaders in walks allowed.

Impact on the Team

Despite the challenges, the Blue Jays' pitching staff played a crucial role in the team's success in 2020. The starters provided quality innings when they were on, and the bullpen was able to shut down opponents in key situations. The team's ability to navigate the shortened season and secure a playoff spot was a testament to the resilience and determination of the pitching staff.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Toronto Blue Jays have reason to be optimistic about the future of their pitching staff. With a core of young, talented arms and some key veterans, the team has the potential to build a strong and consistent pitching rotation. The development of young pitchers like Nate Pearson and the continued improvement of Robbie Ray could be key to the team's success in the coming years. The Blue Jays will need to address some of the weaknesses in their pitching staff, such as consistency and control, but the potential is there for them to become a dominant force in the American League.

Conclusion

The Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff in 2020 was a mix of promise, potential, and resilience. Led by Hyun-Jin Ryu and supported by a strong bullpen, the team was able to navigate a challenging season and secure a playoff spot. While there were areas where improvement was needed, the overall performance of the pitching staff was a positive sign for the future. As the Blue Jays continue to develop their young talent and add key pieces, the pitching staff will be a crucial component of their quest for a championship.