Stroman’s injury could keep Biagini starting
Despite disappointing record last season, righty could spend some time in rotation
DUNEDIN, FLA. It turns out the Toronto Blue Jays made the right decision in keeping right-handed pitcher Joe Biagini stretched out this spring.
With Marcus Stroman down with inflammation in his right shoulder, Biagini may start the regular season in the Jays’ rotation. Though they have their five starters in place for 2018 — Stroman, Marco Estrada, Aaron Sanchez, J.A. Happ and Jaime Garcia — the Jays elected to keep Biagini stretched out in case they needed him as an emergency starter.
“That’s a big part of why we wanted to do that, because (something ) always happens,” manager John Gibbons said. “We don’t think (Stroman’s injury) is a big deal, but it’s concerning — he’s one of your top guys. Everybody seems to think it’s just a little minor thing: Get rid of it and when he’s ready, he’s ready.”
Stroman has said he expects to be ready to pitch early in the regular season. He probably would have been the opening-day pitcher on March 29, but that’s unlikely now.
Biagini started in Wednesday’s game at Dunedin Stadium against the Philadelphia Phillies, picking up the win in a 7-1 Toronto victory. In his first Grapefruit League start on Feb. 23, he pitched two innings against Philly, giving up just one hit and striking out two.
He pitched three solid innings on Wednesday, giving up just two hits, including a solo home run to Scott Kingery.
“He hit some good spots with his fastball consistently. I see a different guy. I see a better rhythm. He’s on a mission,” Gibbons said of Biagini.
There was talk that if all five regular starters are ready for the beginning of the regular season, Biagini might be shipped down to triple-A Buffalo, where he could start on a regular basis. But Gibbons is leaning toward keeping the big right-hander in Toronto and using him out of the bullpen if they don’t need him as a starter.
“Well, I think he would be very valuable to our bullpen, because we’ve seen him do it,” Gibbons said. “I don’t know how it’s all going to shake out, but I thought he was one of the better relievers around in his rookie year.”
In Biagini’s rookie season with the Jays two seasons ago, the native of Redwood City, Calif., recorded a 3.06 ERA in 60 appearances out of the bullpen. Last year, as an emergency starter, Biagini struggled and put together a 3-13 record with a 5.34 ERA.
“We all like him and we’re intrigued by what he can maybe do as a starter,” Gibbons said. “But I know what he can do out of the bullpen, and if he makes our bullpen stronger, that’s the route we’ll probably go.
“We need our bullpen to be really good, so we’ll see where we’re at.”
As for Stroman, Gibbons said the club will not rush him back.
“Yeah, I think that’s kind of his nature: He’s impatient. He’s an impatient guy,” Gibbons said. “Luckily, (the shoulder injury) is in the beginning of the season. Knock it out and it shouldn’t be a problem according to everybody.”