For the second straight day, the Blue Jays blew a lead leading to a loss.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Blue Jays headed North Port, Florida to take on the Atlanta Braves. After jumping out to a 5-1 lead, the Blue Jays eventually lost 10-9, which brought their record to 11-13.
Let’s look at some things worth mentioning…
Things worth mentioning
Arjun Nimmala hit his first professional home run on Wednesday, as he decimated this ball from former Blue Jays’ reliever, Brian Moran to tie the game 9-9.
According to Fangraphs, Nimmala has a future game power grade of 65, while his future raw power grade is 70 (and is already 55). What a fantastic draft pick, as Nimmala has superstar potential written all over him, especially if he can stick at short.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a top prospect several years ago, and on Wednesday, he too went deep for his third home run of Spring Training. It really looks like Guerrero Jr. is fully healthy and ready to prove the doubters wrong. Is another 2021-like season incoming?
Daniel Vogelbach will more than likely be Toronto’s Opening Day backup first baseman/designated hitter. The left-handed batter hit his third home of Spring Training and is now in a seven-way tie with Guerrero, Ernie Clement, Kevin Kiermaier, Alejandro Kirk, Brian Serven, and George Springer for the lead.
Ernie Clement didn’t hit another home run, but he did hit his second triple of Spring Training and went 2-4. He now has a batting average of .375 with an OPS of 1.090. With no options remaining, you’d have to imagine that Clement will make the Opening Day roster.
Nathan Lukes has also had a tremendous Spring Training, as he’s now batting .444 after a three-hit day where he hit a double and two singles, one of which turned into a little league home run. I’m not sure where Lukes fits in on the roster, but he deserves an opportunity to play.
Bowden Francis made the start on Wednesday and it wasn’t his greatest start. He finished with a line of 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, with a long 12-pitch battle against Jarred Kelenic that ended in a up the middle single. Zach Pop came in relief for the rest of the inning, and Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a single to drive in two runs. When Francis returned, he allowed a home run.
Wes Parsons also had a not so great outing, as he finished with a line of 2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K. The four walks is a worrisome sign, but there’s still a lot to like about him.
The Blue Jays return to action on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 6:05 PM ET. Top prospect Ricky Tiedemann will be on the mound for what will probably be the last time.
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