Blue Jays bullpen is flying under the radar. That’s exactly what it needs to do this season

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This article was published 07/04/2022 (1611 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Last year, the bullpen was responsible for the Blue Jays falling apart during the first half of the season. This year, they hope it’s the glue that holds everything else together.

Despite another aggressive off-season, the Jays’ relief corps remains largely untouched from the way it wrapped up 2021. While significant additions were made to the starting rotation and everyday lineup, only cosmetic changes were made to the bullpen.

If that strategy sounds familiar, it’s because the Jays have tried it before. A year ago, the bullpen was treated like an afterthought as the front office focused on other areas. For a stretch of about two months, the strategy backfired in spectacular fashion and played a role in the Jays missing the post-season by two games.

So why should anyone expect this season to be different? Well, the current list of relievers might look similar to the one that closed out 2021, but it’s much different than the one that opened the year. The Jays didn’t feel any pressure to make a big move this winter because they believe the problems have already been fixed.

“That’s key, when you have a good bullpen, and that’s why we started winning so many games in the second half when we got to Toronto,” Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “I see them more or less doing the same thing. (Jordan) Romano, Timmy Mayza, and of course the new additions. We have options, which is good.”

The Jays’ bullpen that began last season wasn’t good, but it also wasn’t as bad as it seemed at the time. Montoyo’s crew consistently ranked middle of the pack in most key stats with a staff ERA that didn’t change that much from one month to the next. What fuelled the early season narrative more than anything was the slew of late-inning meltdowns that kept creeping up at the worst possible times.

In May alone, the Jays’ bullpen had six blown saves. The following month, there were three more. For a long stretch, the Jays were either winning via blowouts or losing in heartbreaking fashion. It’s how a team that finished third in the American League with a +183-run differential went just 15-15 in games decided by one run.

Mid-season trades for Adam Cimber and Trevor Richards helped remedy that problem as the veterans gave Montoyo a pair of trusted arms he could use late in games. After Cimber debuted on July 1, the Jays had just eight blown saves over the next three-plus months, tied with the Miami Marlins for the second fewest in the majors.

Cimber and Richards weren’t the only reason behind the turnaround. The emergence of Mayza from the left side played a role, as did the continued dominance of Romano. The core four gave the Jays confidence they had enough big pieces for 2022. Instead of spending big on the bullpen, cash was saved for other areas.

Right-hander Yimi Garcia, who signed a two-year deal worth $11 million (U.S.) is the only fresh face on this year’s roster. Everyone else was already in place, including righty David Phelps who is returning from lat surgery, which means at least initially the roles will remain largely unchanged from last summer. The Jays hope the familiarity will limit the number of early season hiccups.

“If you look at the path of Tim last year, he established himself,” Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann said. “Jordan solidified who he is last year. Cimber comes over and is very comfortable, does very well, Richards too. All those guys are all back and they’ve had a whole spring to prepare, knowing they’re going to be a part of this thing … All of those things have allowed them to prepare for the season instead of having a lot of question marks.”

The Jays have an idea of how they would like everything to come together, but things rarely go according to plan, all it takes is one injury or regression to set off a domino effect. That’s why if the Jays are going to have success in high-leverage innings, they’re going to require contributions that run deeper than the big four.

On that front there are some intriguing candidates. The constantly injured Julian Merryweather, who flashed dominance last April, is healthy for now and should be ready for Opening Day. Garcia, who posted a 3.47 ERA for the Miami Marlins before getting traded to the Astros at last year’s deadline, provides insurance in middle relief. Ross Stripling offers length, something Nate Pearson could do as well once he has fully recovered from mononucleosis.

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This group won’t be considered a strength any time soon, but if things go according to plan, it won’t be much of a weakness either. Backed by what should be one of the league’s top lineups and starting rotations, the bullpen doesn’t need to be elite, it just needs to be solid and if reinforcements are required later so be it, that’s what the trade deadline is for.

“When we brought in Cimber and Richards, I felt like the bullpen really started to stick together,” said Romano, who converted all but one of his 24 save opportunities last season. “We really got into a groove there. Having those guys all year, I feel like it’s going to be a big year for us. There’s a lot to like about this group.”

When relievers are throwing well, they blend into the background. The leads they protect go largely unnoticed with an offensive star or starting pitcher bathing in the glory. When things go poorly, those same underappreciated arms get shoved in front of the camera’s bright lights with nowhere to hide.

During an off-season filled with notable headlines, the Jays’ bullpen was barely mentioned. If that trend continues a couple months into the season, it means the plan is working. Alternatively, if the relievers become a talking point, it will be back to the drawing board for the second consecutive year.

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