The Toronto Blue Jays need to replenish their minor league roster.
The Toronto Blue Jays need to replenish their minor league roster.
Before this weekend’s Major League Baseball draft, Shane Farrell, the director of amateur scouting, told the media on Wednesday that the Blue Jays’ minor league system, particularly at the double and triple-A levels, needs to be replenished with fresh prospects.
Using the trade of pitching prospects Adam Kloffenstein and Sem Robberse to the St. Louis Cardinals for Major League reliever Jordan Hicks as an example, Farrell said, “I think that’s been a byproduct of some of the moves that we’ve made to make our major league team as competitive as possible and to make playoff runs.”
It is evident that there is a need and a desire to continue backfilling with internal candidates. I believe this draft gives us the ability to do so, and we’re excited about the prospect.
Some of Toronto’s triple-A prospects, including infielders Ernie Clement, Spencer Horwitz, and Leo Jimenez, have been called up to the Blue Jays major league roster due to injuries and the decision to designate a couple of veterans for assignment.
Additionally, second baseman/left fielder Davis Schneider surprised everyone by beginning the season in the majors rather than with the minor league Buffalo Bisons. Outfielder Steward Berroa also began the season in the minors. After spending 20 games with Toronto as well, outfielder Addison Barger was demoted back to Buffalo on Saturday following the reinstatement of veteran designated hitter Justin Turner from the paternity list.
During a video conference call, Farrell stated, “We do need to make sure that once the players are getting close to the big leagues, that they can stick in the big leagues.” “I believe it is the organization’s duty to ensure that those players are prepared psychologically, physically, and fundamentally to not only play in the major leagues but also to stick around and have a lengthy career.”
The starting pitcher for the Bisons on Wednesday against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs was left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann, who is ranked first on Toronto’s depth chart. After making three starts with Buffalo in mid-April, the 21-year-old was placed on the disabled list due to inflammation of the ulnar nerve, from which he has been healing.
MLB’s prospect rankings have Tiedemann ranked No. 45 overall, despite being No. 1 in the Blue Jays system.
