National Post (National Edition)
Borucki makes fast work of veteran Phillies lineup
Toronto Blue Jays lefty Ryan Borucki was wearing his invisible blinders again on Friday. How, he was asked, does it affect you when manager Charlie Montoyo uses a four-man outfield for a certain batter?
“Was there a four man outfield when I was pitching?” the 24-year old with a grin. “I really don’t know.
“You guys have seen me. I work pretty fast. I don’t turn my back unless somebody’s out of position a little bit, and I wait for him. But I didn’t even notice, to be honest.”
Borucki was clearly focused against a veteran and strong Philadelphia Phillies lineup at Spectrum Field in Clearwater. He breezed through the first eight batters before giving up a walk that Andrew McCutcheon and Jean Segura follow with hits, but then eased out of the jam by striking out Bryce Harper.
He wound up pitching 4.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five in the 3-2 loss.
“Borucki was outstanding today,” said Montoyo. “His secondary stuff was really good. Pitching behind in the count, he threw his breaking pitch for a strike. His change-up, which hasn’t been that great, today was really good. Very good outing.”
Earlier in the week, Borucki was pencilled as the Jays fourth starter, although that’s news to him. (“Nobody has really told me much,” he said.)
And what a difference a year has made for the native of Mundelein, Ill. About this time last spring, Borucki was headed to Buffalo. He was recalled in June and has barely looked back, making 17 starts for Toronto, posting a 4-6 record with a 3.87 ERA.
“When you’re in Triple- A it’s a lot about developing, and winning is second,” said Borucki.
“But right now it’s just winning. That’s what I love. I love going out there and just helping this team as much as I can.
“Keep the ball on the ground and keep us in these games as long as I can. That’s going to be my mindset throughout the whole year.”
Very pleased with his change- up, one pitch Borucki threw Harper in the first inning was clocked at 96 mph.
Montoyo noticed a lot of numbers were high, wasn’t sure if the 96 was the gun or the guy. He said Borucki can be effective throwing in the 92-93 mph. range.
“With his secondary stuff, the way it is right now, that’s all he needs,” said Montoyo. “If he wants to throw 97, that’s fine. I’m not going to be mad at him.
“But 92, 93 is perfect with his stuff that he’s got.”