Title: Blue Jays’ Bullpen Thriving and Becoming a Strength in 2023
Subtitle: Tim Mayza emerges as the unsung hero of the dominant reliever group
Date: July 10, 2023
TORONTO — In an impressive turnaround from two years ago, the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen is now receiving praise for its remarkable performance and crucial role in the team’s recent success. Unlike in the past, when the bullpen served as a major weakness, this talented group has consistently held the door open for the offense, helping secure crucial victories in close games.
Manager John Schneider commended the bullpen’s camaraderie and their ability to pick each other up. He expressed his gratitude for their contributions, stating, “When you have a good team and a good bullpen, it’s a luxury to put those guys out there. We love our starters, too, but we love how they’re picking one another up.”
With an ERA of 3.58, ranking fifth in the league, and excellent strikeout and walk rates, the Blue Jays’ relievers have made significant strides in improving their performance. This newfound ability to generate swings-and-misses and maintain control on the mound has allowed them to compete with the best bullpens in the MLB.
Key contributors to the bullpen’s success include Jordan Romano, who is closing in on Duane Ward’s franchise record of 45 saves, despite recent injury concerns. Additionally, the Swanson trade has proven fruitful, fortifying the back-end of the bullpen and providing flexibility on game days. Furthermore, Trevor Richards has turned his season around, and Nate Pearson has showcased his dominant potential.
While these names have garnered attention for their impressive performances, Tim Mayza has emerged as the unsung hero of the group. Operating as the bullpen’s lone lefty, Mayza boasts a remarkable 1.17 ERA across 30 2/3 innings, making crucial contributions in close games during the seventh and eighth innings.
Manager Schneider emphasized Mayza’s importance, stating, “You cannot overstate how important he’s been for us.” Despite his essential role, Mayza’s contributions often go unnoticed, as lefty relievers tend to be undervalued unless they serve as closers.
Looking ahead to the Trade Deadline, the Blue Jays recognize that a strong bullpen is crucial for any postseason aspirations. While the return of Chad Green from Tommy John surgery will provide an additional boost, the team is open to pursuing further reinforcements. The Blue Jays could potentially target a back-end arm to enhance their bullpen or seek another left-handed reliever, allowing Mayza to get some relief in his workload.
Manager Schneider acknowledged the benefits of having multiple lefties in the bullpen, stating, “If that turns out to be the case, that would be a great luxury to have. We’ll see how it shakes out, but for now, we feel comfortable.”
Overall, the Blue Jays’ bullpen has undergone a remarkable transformation in the 2023 season, becoming a strength rather than a weakness. As the team continues to excel, the addition of another quality arm could prove to be a luxury addition for a bullpen that’s finally receiving recognition for all the right reasons.