Pearson recalled by Blue Jays, will start Sunday

The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled prized pitching prospect Nate Pearson. He will start Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Twitter

May 9, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

With their sights set on a series win in Houston, the Toronto Blue Jays have activated RHP Nate Pearson (groin) off the 10-day injured list.

RHP Rafael Dolis (right calf strain) has been placed on the 10-day IL in a corresponding move.

Pearson rejoins the team after making one start with triple-A Buffalo, striking out eight batters and allowing a run on four hits in 3 2/3 innings. Through five appearances with Toronto in 2020, the Blue Jays' No. 1 prospect (10th in MLB, per Pipeline) allowed an opponent's batting average of .209 while walking 13 batters and yielding five home runs in 18 innings.

Toronto's bullpen enters Sunday having accounted for just under half of the team's 45 innings (22 1/3) on the current road trip. As such, the Blue Jays will be looking to get some much-needed length out of Pearson, who threw 78 pitches (53 for strikes) in his start earlier this week.

In 15 games prior to Sunday's transaction, Dolis has allowed six earned runs on four hits, walking nine and striking out 13 batters. He departs the active roster leading the club in saves (3) and is now one of eight Blue Jays hurlers currently sidelined.

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