Nate Pearson has been recalled by the Blue Jays, Bowden Francis optioned for the fifth time

Francis, 27, was acquired in the Rowdy Tellez trade back in 2021, and had a great debut season with the Blue Jays in 2023. The righty has a 1.73 ERA and a 3.86 FIP in 36.1 innings pitched, along with a 25.7 K% and a 5.9 BB%. This is the fifth time Francis has been optioned, meaning that if he is recalled and optioned again, he must be put on waivers.

Nate Pearson, also 27, was a part of the early season Blue Jays bullpen, where he posted a 5.18 ERA and a 4.91 FIP in 40 innings pitched, along with a 24.1 K% and a 9.4 BB%. Since his demotion in late July, Pearson has posted a 1.46 ERA and a 4.14 FIP in 12.1 innings pitched. Pearson has also struck out 32.1% of batters in the time, but has walked 17.9% of them as well. Notably, he has not allowed a walk since August 27th.

The reason why Francis was optioned is pretty clear. He pitched in three different games in the Texas series. Allowing just a single run in 4.1 innings pitched. Pearson has had some experience as a multi-inning reliever, as he’s gone more than an inning 13 times in his 33 games in the big leagues.

There’s a good chance that Pearson will see some innings if the score is out of hand, but I wouldn’t expect him in any high leverage situations for the remainder of the season. Hopefully, he can find that form that he had early in the season.