In Toronto, the Blue Jays are grappling with a growing injury list as right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez lands on the 15-day injured list. Rodríguez, 27, is suffering from thoracic spine inflammation, a significant setback for the team, which has already been enduring injuries within its pitching staff. In response to the loss, reliever Zach Pop has been called up to bolster the bullpen. The Blue Jays have hence adapted their roster to accommodate nine relievers and four starters, attempting to manage the strain on their rotation resources.
Since signing with the Blue Jays as an international free agent, Rodríguez has pitched with a 4.11 ERA over four games. Now, Rodríguez joins two other starting pitchers on the team’s major league injured list, raising concerns over the depth and resilience of the rotation. Moreover, their top prospect is sidelined as well, adding to the list of unavailable talent.
The current schedule provides some respite for the Blue Jays with off-days on the immediate horizon. The absence of Rodríguez isn’t expected to pose an immediate problem due to forthcoming breaks in the playing schedule, hence postponing the need for a fifth starter until mid-May. This gap allows the team some breathing room to evaluate their options for filling the void left by Rodríguez’s injury.
Source: CBS Sports