By Jay Blue

Blue Jays from Away

Now that the season is over, the crew at Blue Jays from Away will take a look at the Blue Jays one by one and review how each player’s season went, whether he met expectations (or not) and look at how he fits into (what we think of) the Blue Jays’ plans going forward

Nick Tepesch started his 2017 season with the Rochester Red Wings, the Minnesota Twins' triple-A affiliate, after getting into eight games for the Twins in spring training and posting a 4.41 ERA and 1.59 WHIP, striking out nine and walking nine in 16 1/3 innings.

Tepesch made three starts for Rochester and then was called up for a rough start against the Boston Red Sox in which he allowed seven runs in 1 2/3 innings although only one run was earned. He then went back to Rochester for three more starts (getting roughed up to the tune of 19 runs over 11 innings) before getting released by the Twins, then was re-signed and was placed on the DL with a hamstring injury.

Tepesch made three rehab starts in the GCL, getting smacked for 10 runs in eight innings and was traded to Toronto where he made his organization debut on July 25, pitching for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He was much more successful there, logging 12 innings with just four runs allowed while striking out seven and walking one.

Called up to Toronto in August, Tepesch made three starts for the Jays. In the first, he gave up five runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Yankees but pitched six decent innings against Tampa Bay in the second, allowing one run on four hits and three walks. He gave up two runs in 3 2/3 innings on August 19 in Chicago, walking three and giving up five hits before he was sent back to the minors where he finished out the season, striking out seven in six scoreless innings without walking anyone.

Tepesch was granted free agency in the offseason and he'll probably be happy with a minor league deal somewhere before spring training finishes.

Contract Status

Tepesch is currently a free agent.

2017 Regular Season Grades

Jay Blue: Incomplete
Emily: D (Small Sample Size)

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The 2017 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook is now available! Visit the Handbook page for more information!