BALTIMORE – The deadline for adding postseason-eligible players passed quietly for the Toronto Blue Jays, so it looks like Brett Cecil or bust when it comes to left-handed relief.
On paper that’s a potential weakness considering Cecil has a 4.82 ERA with five home runs allowed in 28 innings. Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker doesn’t see it that way.
“His stuff is as good right now as it was last year,” Walker said. “I think a lot of times it’s been pitch selection with him.”
Walker points to a change-up Jose Ramirez hit in Cleveland and a fastball Kendrys Morales hit in Kansas City as examples of ill-advised pitches.
“You take those couple of pitches out and over the last month, his stuff has been very good,” Walker said. “He’s had some at bats where it’s dominant.”
The Blue Jays are expected to call up relief help Friday, their first chance to add reinforcements after rosters expanded Thursday. Left-handers Aaron Loup and Chad Girodo figure to be among those earning consideration for call-ups, but Cecil’s clearly the number one lefty.
“We certainly think he can help in high-leverage situations down the stretch and I think he’s going to come up big for us,” Walker said.
With plenty of moments ahead against left-handed hitters like Chris Davis, David Ortiz and Brian McCann, the Blue Jays will be counting on it.
STROMAN PUSHING FOR STRONG FINISH
The Blue Jays didn’t envision a 4.58 ERA for Marcus Stroman when the year began, but he’s been trending in the right direction since the beginning of July. With one month to go, he’s envisioning a strong finish.
“I feel like I’ve done a great job of taking care of my body the entire year,” Stroman said. “I feel strong. I feel stronger now than I’ve felt the entire year and I’m excited. I feel like September’s the crunch time where you really need to be at your best, and I look forward to that.”
Stroman has logged 167 innings, setting him up for a chance at 200 in his first full season as a starter.
Walker says Stroman has had a ‘tremendous’ season to date, even considering his early struggles.
“He’s a competitor. The guys want him out there on the field, that’s for sure,” Walker said. “Sometimes you’ve got to corral that energy that he has, keep it under control a bit. Controlled aggression, as we like to say, but he’s done a tremendous job. He keeps us in every game. He goes deep into ballgames. He can minimize his pitch count very well. He gets ground balls as well as anybody in the game. He’s done a great job.”
Walker said Stroman has had some success simplifying his arsenal of breaking pitches of late. He sounds similarly optimistic about the month ahead.
“I think you’ll see him turn it up a notch down the stretch,” he said.
WHAT A MONTH
Russell Martin hit more home runs in August (9) than he had entering August (7).
“I’m still seeing the ball well,” he said. “I feel like I’m having good at-bats and battling.”
The stats would back that up. He now has 16 home runs and a .759 OPS on the season. Those are impressive numbers, especially considering his slow start.
AFL ROSTERS
Conner Greene and Anthony Alford are among the prospects the Blue Jays plan to send to the Arizona Fall League for the chance to compete against other highly regarded young players.
Joining Greene and Alford are left-handers Matt Dermody and Tim Mayza, catcher Danny Jansen and first baseman Ryan McBroom. They’ll suit up for the Mesa Solar Sox and get additional seasoning to prepare them for the 2017 season.
NOTES
With players like Steve Pearce available to pinch-hit, the Orioles are a deep offensive team. “Even their guys that come off the bench have a really good approach to hitting,” Aaron Sanchez said …The Blue Jays have heard “zero complaints” from Bautista about his toe and knee in the week since he returned from the disabled list, according to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons… Compared to last season’s drama, the Blue Jays have built a division lead relatively quietly. “I think that’s the way to do it,” Gibbons said. “Consistent.”