Blue Jays manager John Schneider informed the media earlier today that top prospect Ricky Tiedemann, who was supposed to make the start tomorrow against the Philadelphia Phillies in the club’s first spring training game of the year, will now miss the outing as he deals with left hamstring soreness. Right-hander Chad Dallas will start instead.
So far this spring, Tiedemann has received rave reviews from the staff and his teammates as he looks to log some innings this year after being limited to just 62 innings last year (including Arizona Fall League) due to a biceps injury. Considering it is spring training, the Jays are likely just being cautious with the left-hander and the club will know more after he gets some additional testing done. For now, he is considered day-to-day.
The former Golden West College product has been stellar for the Jays since being drafted in 2021. Although he was limited to 19 outings last year, Tiedemann showcased his ability to strike out hitters, posting a 16.8 K/9 through the regular season while working to a 1.227 WHIP. He started the year in double-A New Hampshire and was able to make one start in triple-A before the season came to a close. In the AFL, Tiedemann allowed just five earned runs through 18 innings of work with an 11.5 K/9 rate, earning AFL Pitcher of the Year honours.
Blue Jays prospect Rickey Tiedemann scratched from spring training start due to hamstring soreness
In his place will be Chad Dallas, who ranks at #13 on MLB Pipeline’s top prospect rankings for the Blue Jays. Last season, the University of Tennessee alum split the campaign between high-A and double-A, posting a 3.65 ERA combined through a career-high 123 1/3 innings. He spent most of the campaign with the Fisher Cats, making 18 starts while boasting a 10.0 K/9 and earning a 1.262 WHIP on the year.
For Jays fans, they will have to wait to see Tiedemann’s 2024 debut as he deals with this hamstring injury that shouldn’t keep the southpaw limited for too long.
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