GDB 15.0: Pitching woes continue for Toronto Blue Jays

What was one of the Toronto Blue Jays’ greatest strengths last season has become one of its biggest weaknesses.

The 2023 rendition of the team posted a 3.79 ERA, the fourth-best mark in the league while catching the opposition swinging in thanks to a 9.47 K/9 rate that was second-best in the majors. This year? It’s a whole different story.

Their 5.43 ERA is the third worst, and their 8.7 K/9 rate is just league average.

It’s leading the Jays down a difficult path that continued on Friday night getting blasted by the Colorado Rockies 12-4. Kevin Gausman threw 78 pitches, lasting three and two third innings where he allowed six earned runs off 10 hits. Paolo Espino, optioned Saturday to Triple-A Buffalo, allowed four earned runs in two and two third innings. Mitch White took it all home and allowed two earned runs of his own.

With Espino optioned, the club officially recalled Yariel Rodriguez from Buffalo, and he’s set for his first start in the big leagues Saturday afternoon. Bowden Francis, who struggled in his starts, is back to the bullpen where he excelled out of last year, and will become the Jays top option as a long-arm.

They’ve needed them this season, but hopefully, Rodriguez will be able to provide the team with some solid innings.

First pitch: 3:07 p.m. EST. TV & Radio: Sportsnet.

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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.