The Jays’ Nate Pearson still has the arm, he just doesn’t know his role

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This article was published 21/03/2022 (1611 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LAKELAND, Fla.—Nate Pearson wasn’t just pencilled into the Blue Jays’ rotation each of the last two years, he was featured as a front-line piece. These days, the 25-year-old doesn’t know what his role is going to be.

The Jays are stretching out their former top prospect to be a starter this spring, just like they did each of the last two years. Whether he remains one, or shifts to the bullpen, is one of the few pressing questions for a team whose opening-day roster is mostly set.

If the decision was left up to Pearson, the choice would be obvious. Being a starter is almost all he’s known since joining the Jays organization in 2017 and it’s not something he’s going to give up easily. It’s part of his identity.

“I’ve always been a starting pitcher,” Pearson said after making his spring debut in the Jays’ 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday afternoon. “It’s all I’ve done, even since I got to pro ball. I went into the ’pen at the end of last year but I have starter stuff. I have four pitches; guys in the bullpen usually have two pitches. I’m just focusing on the whole arsenal and going from there.”

The Jays’ coaching staff wouldn’t disagree with any of that. When Pearson is healthy, his 100-m.p.h arm is as nasty as it gets, and still draws a crowd. Teammates ooh and aah with each pop of the mitt. Even hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer often walk away a little dumbfounded after a round of batting practice.

That same talent was on display against the Pirates. Pearson didn’t allow a hit while striking out four and walking one over two dominant frames. He topped out at 99 m.p.h. and seemed disappointed by it. Not too many pitchers can say that.

If roster decisions were made strictly on talent, Pearson would have locked his spot down a long time ago. Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he can’t be trusted to stay healthy. There has been a fractured arm, elbow inflammation, an oblique strain and a sports hernia. Every year it’s something different, yet somehow the script reads the same.

That’s at least one of the reasons the Jays felt compelled to go out and sign veteran Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract worth $36 million (U.S.) at the beginning of camp. Kikuchi joined a starting group that already included José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Alek Manoah, ending the competition for the final spot in the rotation before it even began.

If the Jays were confident in Pearson’s ability to take on a full starter’s role this season, they wouldn’t have needed to sign a No. 5 guy. But the reality is that, while the Jays remain optimistic and hope for the best, they also have no idea what to expect.

“The one thing we have to remember about Pearson — he needs to keep pitching,” Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “He’s always had setbacks. He’s still young. He’s got a good arm. He needs to keep pitching, and we’re going to give him a chance.”

Unless there’s an injury to someone else, the only starting spot available for Pearson is at Triple-A Buffalo. One scenario would see the Florida native open the year in the minors, gradually build up and await an opportunity at the next level.

That would preserve the organizational depth in the rotation, and an argument could be made it would be the best move for Pearson’s development, too. The more he pitches, the higher his innings limit will go from one year to the next. And, as previously evidenced by closers like Roberto Osuna and Aroldis Chapman, once a pitcher moves to the bullpen full-time, he doesn’t often move back, which is something Pearson would like to avoid.

The downside to that approach is Pearson might end up wasting some of his only bullets in the minors. The Jays are built to win this season and, while they currently don’t have a use for Pearson as a starter, Montoyo could find a role for him in the bullpen, either as a long reliever or potentially a high-leverage guy.

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Pearson is prepared for either role, but if he’s headed to the bullpen he hopes it’s a short trip.

“I definitely think it’s temporary,” said Pearson, who made three relief appearances last season. “Obviously we have the rotation set up. We’ve got a good five-man rotation and we’ll see what they what they want to do, whether I’m in the ’pen or as a long relief guy, one-to-two inning guy. You know, whatever they see fit, I’ll be ready to compete.”

The shine might have worn off Pearson a little bit, and the hype isn’t what it used to be, but it would be short-sighted to overlook the man who still arguably has the best arm in the organization. The power will speak for itself if the injuries ever let it.

Bullpen or starter? The Jays have a decision to make a couple weeks from now. It will impact not only Pearson’s upcoming season but the trajectory of his career as well.

Gregor Chisholm is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @GregorChisholm or reach him via email: gchisholm@thestar.ca