Spencer Arrighetti's struggles have continued since joining Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Spencer Arrighetti (45). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Spencer Arrighetti's struggles have continued since joining Blue Jays

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 2, 2026 1:40 PM ET

While he's only had three starts since joining the Toronto Blue Jays, Spencer Arrighetti has been unable to replicate the former dominance he provided for the Houston Astros at the start of the season.

The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher has gone 0-3 with an elevated 6.55 ERA across 11 innings and has given up a home run in each start, with each coming on a fastball.

When he pitched for the Astros he provided a dominant stretch across his first eight starts in April and May, going 7-1 while boasting a 1.34 ERA. Opponents also were hitting only .167 against him and his swing-and-miss stuff was also elite, highlighted by a 10-strikeout performance against the Colorado Rockies on April 15.

In the Blue Jays' 6-1 loss against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, Arrighetti appeared headed for a solid outing but ran into trouble in the bottom of the fifth, giving up a two-run shot to Patrick Bailey.

CLE - Patrick Bailey 2-run HR (8)

407 ft | 103.5 mph | 31°
⚾️ 91.2 mph four-seam fastball (TOR - RHP Spencer Arrighetti)
️ Out in 28/30 parks

TOR (1) @ CLE (2)
5th#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/XMKPi93h66
— MLB Home Runs (@MLBHRs_) September 2, 2026

Can Spencer Arrighetti bounce back from his struggles?

When the Blue Jays acquired Arrighetti on Aug. 3 in exchange for outfielder Daulton Varsho, he already was dealing with a foot/nerve injury that impacted his strong start to the season.

It also delayed his Blue Jays debut as he also faced a setback during his rehab. But despite being in good health now, his performance has continued to regress.

His regression began in late May and carried through June and July, leading to an inflated 8.34 ERA across nine starts before he was traded to the Blue Jays. But since the Blue Jays have Arrighetti under club control through the end of the 2029 season, there is hope that he can return to form with the help of pitching coach Pete Walker.

But he will have to overcome obstacles first, including a dip in his velocity and command. His fastball velocity has dropped, and a spike in walks and home runs haven't helped.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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