When Toronto Blue Jays rookie Tim Mayza was called up to the big leagues this week, he shared with reporters how Pat Hentgen gave him crucial advice that helped the lefty take the next step in his career.
“Pat always told me: ‘Get ahead, get out of the middle,’” Mayza said. “That’s something that I take personally.”
Hentgen, a special assistant to the Blue Jays, was quick to deflect any credit during an appearance on The Jeff Blair Show Thursday morning.
“That’s a great compliment coming from him, but let’s face it: He’s the one with the ball,” Hentgen told Blair and Sheri Forde on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. “I told him something that he’s probably heard a million times from other coaches.”
The 1996 Cy Young winner and former Blue Jays great has high hopes for Mayza, who features a high-octane fastball and wipeout slider. Hentgen said he believes Mayza can be much more than just a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen.
“His stuff is off the charts. It all comes down to whether you can locate the ball,” said Hentgen. “If Mayza can locate his pitches, the sky’s the limit for this kid. He has got some great stuff. When he hits on his slider, it’s 88-89 [m.p.h.]. I’ve seen him throw his slider at 90-91.”
Mayza made his major-league debut on Tuesday, allowing two hits and striking out one in a scoreless inning of work against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Hentgen sent Mayza a text message after the game.
“I said ‘Hey, congratulations. What a great job to go from the bullpen in [single-A Dunedin] last year to the bullpen in Toronto. It’s a great jump.’”
Hentgen also shared his thoughts on Marcus Stroman, Joe Biagini and several Blue Jays minor-league pitchers. Listen to full the interview in the audio player below.
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