Toronto Blue Jays Pitching Staff 2020: A Look Back

Hey baseball fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dive deep into the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers who took the mound during the uniquely challenging 2020 season. This year was unlike any other, with its shortened schedule and all the quirks that came with it. But even in a weird year, the Jays' pitching staff had some standout performers and some storylines worth revisiting. We'll break down who made an impact, what their numbers looked like, and maybe even ponder what could have been if things had gone a little differently. It's time to get granular with the guys who were tasked with shutting down opposing offenses, and trust me, there's plenty to talk about when it comes to the 2020 Blue Jays.

The Aces and Key Contributors

When you think about the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers in 2020, a few names immediately come to mind, guys who were really the workhorses and carried a lot of the load. Hyun-Jin Ryu was the big free-agent acquisition, and he largely delivered on the hype. He was the undisputed ace, bringing veteran presence and a much-needed calming influence to the rotation. Ryu pitched to a 4.03 ERA in 12 starts, striking out 72 batters over 67 innings. While his ERA might not have been ace-level by his own lofty standards, he was consistently dependable, giving the team a chance to win almost every time he stepped on the rubber. He was the guy you wanted on the mound against tough lineups, and his leadership was invaluable for a young team. Think about it, guys, bringing in a proven commodity like Ryu was a massive statement from the front office, signaling that they were ready to start competing. His performance, despite the short season, cemented his status as the team's top starter.

Beyond Ryu, Tanner Roark provided some much-needed veteran innings as well. He might not have had the flashy numbers, but he was a reliable back-of-the-rotation arm. Roark posted a 6.60 ERA in 11 starts, which, let's be honest, isn't pretty. However, he did manage to eat up innings, something that's always crucial, especially in a condensed season. He gave the team 53 innings and showed flashes of the pitcher he could be. It’s easy to look at the ERA and cringe, but sometimes, just keeping the team in the game, even if it's not perfectly clean, is a win in itself. Roark was the kind of guy who battled, and you have to respect that effort, even when the results weren't always there.

Another pitcher who deserves a mention is Chase Anderson. Acquired in the offseason, Anderson brought a different look to the rotation. He had a 7.22 ERA in 7 starts over 33.2 innings. Similar to Roark, his ERA wasn't anything to write home about, but he did get a chance to start and provide innings. The story for many of these guys in 2020 was consistency, and Anderson, like others, struggled to find that throughout the short campaign. It's tough when you're trying to establish yourself with a new team in a bizarre season, and Anderson definitely faced his share of challenges. We saw some good outings mixed with some really tough ones, which is often the nature of pitchers trying to find their rhythm.

The Young Guns and Future Potential

Of course, you can't talk about the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers in 2020 without mentioning the emerging talent. These were the guys who represented the future, and despite some growing pains, they showed glimpses of what they could become. Alek Manoah wasn't with the team in 2020, but his eventual arrival was something fans were already looking forward to based on the development of others. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were already getting a lot of attention, but the pitching side needed its own stars to emerge. We saw Ross Stripling join the team via trade, and he provided a solid option for the rotation, especially early on. Stripling pitched to a 3.10 ERA in 8 starts for the Jays, throwing 40.2 innings. He was a valuable addition, offering versatility and experience. His ability to step in and contribute effectively was a huge plus for the team's pitching depth. He showed that he could handle starting duties when needed, and his presence helped stabilize the rotation during stretches.

Then there was Robbie Ray, who was acquired later in the season. Ray had a 4.59 ERA in 9 starts for the Jays, a pretty decent showing for a guy who joined mid-year. He brought a power arm and a high strikeout rate, something the Blue Jays always value. Ray's ability to miss bats was evident, and he showed that he could be a significant contributor when he was dialed in. He gave the team a glimpse of what a dominant starter could look like, and his acquisition was a sign that the team was looking to bolster its pitching staff for the present and future. His performance, while in a small sample size, was encouraging, and it laid the groundwork for his continued success with the team.

Taijuan Walker was another veteran arm brought in, and he had a 2.70 ERA in 4 starts for the Blue Jays before being traded at the deadline. This was a pleasant surprise for the team. Walker pitched very well in his limited time, showcasing the kind of stuff that made him a former top prospect. His ability to rebound and pitch effectively was a testament to his talent and determination. The Blue Jays got some good value out of Walker during his tenure, and his strong performance made him an attractive trade chip. It was a smart move by the front office to acquire him and then flip him for prospects when the opportunity arose, demonstrating a strategic approach to team building.

The Bullpen: A Mixed Bag

No team's bullpen is perfect, and the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers in the relief corps in 2020 were definitely a mixed bag. There were some bright spots and some areas that definitely needed improvement. Jordan Romano emerged as a legitimate high-leverage arm. He had a 1.20 ERA in 12 appearances, striking out 18 batters in 15 innings. Romano was absolutely lights-out, showcasing incredible stuff and confidence. He quickly became a fan favorite and a go-to guy in crucial situations. His emergence was one of the biggest positives from the pitching staff that year, proving that the Jays could develop talent from within. His overpowering fastball and nasty slider made him a tough out for any hitter.

Tim Mayza also had a solid year, posting a 2.92 ERA in 18 appearances out of the bullpen. He provided reliable innings and showed good command. Mayza was a consistent performer who could be counted on to get outs. His steady presence helped anchor the bullpen, and his ability to pitch in various situations made him a valuable asset. He wasn't flashy, but he got the job done, which is exactly what you want from a reliever.

However, the bullpen as a whole struggled at times. Ken Giles, who was expected to be the closer, dealt with injuries and inconsistency, only appearing in 3 games with a 7.50 ERA. His absence and struggles put a damper on the back end of the bullpen. It's always tough when your primary closer can't stay on the field, and Giles's situation was a prime example of that. The team had to constantly shuffle roles and find other guys to step up, which can be taxing on a pitching staff. His inability to contribute was a significant blow, and the team never quite found a stable replacement throughout the shortened season.

Other relievers like Anthony Bass (2.01 ERA in 25 appearances) and Yennsy Diaz (3.60 ERA in 16 appearances) had their moments, providing valuable innings. Bass, in particular, was a strong addition, offering a different look and effective pitching. He was a crucial piece of the bullpen puzzle, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Diaz, while a bit more up and down, showed promise and flashed potential for the future. These guys, along with Romano and Mayza, were the shining lights in an often-challenging relief situation. It highlights how important depth is in the bullpen, as you never know when injuries or slumps will strike.

The 2020 Season: A Unique Context

It's essential to remember the context of the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers in 2020. This wasn't a normal season, guys. A 60-game schedule, playing in bubble environments for some road trips, and no fans in the stands created an unprecedented atmosphere. Pitchers had to adjust to different routines, shorter ramp-up times, and the unique challenges of playing during a pandemic. For young pitchers especially, getting consistent work and development might have been harder. The shortened season meant less margin for error, and every start or relief appearance carried more weight. It was a true test of adaptability and mental fortitude for every player on the roster, including the pitchers.

Managers had to be even more strategic with their pitching staffs, utilizing openers, piggybacking starters, and managing workloads very carefully. The physical and mental toll of playing under such conditions cannot be overstated. For a team like the Blue Jays, still in a rebuilding phase, navigating these challenges was a significant part of their development. They had to rely on veteran leadership, like Ryu's, while also giving opportunities to younger arms to gain experience. The shortened season might have also masked some underlying issues or highlighted areas that needed immediate attention for the following year. It was a season of learning and adjusting on the fly, and the pitching staff was right in the middle of it all. The development of guys like Romano was accelerated because of the need for depth and reliable arms. It was a strange but ultimately valuable year for understanding the team's pitching talent.

Looking Ahead

The 2020 season, while strange, provided valuable insights into the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers. We saw the continued growth of established arms and the promising emergence of future stars. The team learned a lot about its strengths and weaknesses on the pitching front, which undoubtedly shaped their approach in the following seasons. The performance of pitchers like Ryu and the development of arms like Romano gave fans a reason for optimism. Even the struggles of some provided learning opportunities. The foundation was being laid, and the 2020 campaign was a crucial stepping stone in the Blue Jays' journey back to contention. It was a year that tested everyone, but it also revealed the resilience and potential within the Blue Jays' pitching department. The experiences gained in that bizarre 60-game season would serve them well as they continued to build their roster and aim for championship aspirations. It was a glimpse into the future, and for many of these pitchers, their best years were still ahead.