February 26, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

With a flexor strain limiting him to just six appearances in last year's COVID-19 shortened campaign, Nate Pearson says that he's 100% healthy and looking forward to contributing at the MLB level in 2021.

"I'm excited just to pitch in the big leagues this year, whatever role that may be," said Pearson in a Zoom call with the media on Friday. "Whether it's starting behind (Hyun-Jin) Ryu or coming in after him in a relief appearance. Whatever it is, rotation or bullpen, I'm just excited for what's to come, and I'm ready to compete."

Though his exact role hasn't been firmed up by team management, the 24-year-old product of Odessa, Fla., will be stretched out as a starter this spring.

Regardless of the assignment, Pearson is remaining open to any opportunity.

"I'm up for everything, but we have to be smart about it," he explained. "The goal this year is to get as many innings as I can and stay healthy. The rest will take care of itself."

Innings wise, Pearson has accounted for just 119 2/3 over the last two seasons and a grand total of 161 2/3 since making his professional debut in 2017. If the Blue Jays intend to utilize him as a starter, there will have to be close considerations paid to his workload throughout the season.

Allowing 12 earned runs over his 18 frames as a rookie in 2020, Pearson admitted there was a steep learning curve in the big leagues.

"I felt like early last year, I was trying to paint corners too much rather than just fill up the zone with strikes," he said before noting the adjustments he made after returning from the IL on September 25.

Though it was just two relief appearances, Pearson threw 35 of his 52 pitches for strikes. He walked one and struck out seven of the 13 batters he faced in 2021.

"That's exactly what I did when I came off the IL," explained Pearson. "Just attack hitters and fill up the zone. That's what I plan to do."

As it stands, there are a handful of arms competing for a spot in the Blue Jays' rotation this spring.

"Right now, we have five, six, seven guys competing for a spot in the rotation, and (Pearson's) one of those guys," said Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo on Friday. "We're stretching all of those guys to start. I don't see (Pearson) coming out of the bullpen."

BORUCKI ADJUSTING

Prior to last year, all but nine of Ryan Borucki's 109 professional appearances had come as a starter. The 6-foot-4 southpaw was moved into the bullpen when play resumed last July and emerged as one of Montoyo's most reliable options down the stretch.

In 21 games, the 26-year-old allowed just five earned runs, striking out 21 and holding the opposition to a batting average of .200 across 16 2/3 innings.

His success in 2020 has translated into a new role with the club moving forward, and Borucki is welcoming the shift with open arms.

"(Pete Walker) and (Matt Buschmann) told me that they thought I found a niche in the bullpen, " said Borucki. "(Training) was completely different for me, but I really liked it. It was probably one of my best offseasons I've ever had in terms of the amount of work I got. I really feel a lot sharper than I ever have coming into a spring training."

Like the majority of relievers, the former top pitching prospect was initially reluctant to hand over his spot in the Blue Jays' rotation.

"Last year, when we were talking at Summer Camp 2.0, I was dead set on being a starter," explained Borucki, who later admitted to being surprised by how much he enjoyed moving to the 'pen.

"Making that transition (to relief), and the mentality, I really enjoyed it. Bullpen, it's just a special group. It's bond, and you grow with guys because you're with them so many hours of the day. I enjoy the mentality down there and being in the game when it really matters."

COVERAGE

After reports surfaced indicating that Rogers had no plans to broadcast Toronto's spring training games, Sportsnet's PR department released a schedule highlighting 10 games that the network will be airing.

Starting this Sunday, fans will have access to a minimum of 10 games over the next five weeks. Those matchups include four games against the New York Yankees and contests with Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

Friday's release also indicated that the network plans on simulcasting its coverage in 2021. This means that, for the first time in franchise history, the Blue Jays will not have a separate radio feed available for listeners.

Radio play-by-play man Ben Wagner is remaining with the team but will be serving in a different capacity.

- Follow Andrew Hendriks on Twitter (@77hendriks)