Blue Jays' Nate Pearson gets start on Sunday's game against Astros

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in Washington. (Nick Wass/AP)

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starter Nate Pearson's return to the big leagues didn't go as planned.

Pearson struggled with command in Sunday's game against the Houston Astros, allowing three runs, five walks and four hits over 2.1 innings. The righty had just 28 strikes out of 64 pitches when he left the game, after allowing two runs with just one out in the third. Reliever Joel Payamps replaced him on the mound.

The 24-year-old Pearson was called up from triple-A Buffalo after a series of injuries depleted Toronto's pitching staff. Pearson had his season debut on Tuesday against the Worcester Red Sox, striking out eight batters and allowing one run, four hits and one walk in 3.2 innings.

A first-round pick in 2017, the six-foot-six Pearson had four starts and five outings in the majors last year, posting a 6.00 ERA over 18 innings, all while dealing with elbow tightness. He then suffered a groin injury during this year's Spring Training, which prevented him from making the Opening Day roster.

Provided he stays healthy, Pearson should be a regular part of the Blue Jays rotation this season.

The Blue Jays also announced pitcher Rafael Dolis was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 8, with a right-calf strain.

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