Toronto Blue Jays prospect T.J. Zeuch is making strides and showcasing his talent in the Florida State League
T.J. Zeuch has been through the gauntlet.
From growing up a New England Patriots fan in the heart of “Who Dey Nation” to pitching in the most competitive conference in college baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays prospect is used to flourishing in arduous circumstances.
Just take a look at how he is pitching in the Florida State League.
Less than a year after being drafted, the Pittsburgh University product is savoring his best stretch as a professional, hurling four starts of at least six innings this May.
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“It’s pretty crazy to think about that — how things have changed in a year,” said Zeuch. “I think the transition from being a college athlete to a professional athlete has been pretty smooth.”
Zeuch, who was selected 21st in the 2016 MLB Draft, is one of nine first-round picks who is currently playing at High-A. Through 10 starts, the 21-year old is 3-3 with a 3.23 ERA and 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
In his latest performance, the Ohio native held Lakeland to one earned run over six innings. As with any start, Zeuch adopts a personality when on the mound.
And, the only way to describe it is “Brady-esque.”
“I idolize Tom Brady and the way he goes about it,” he said. “Other than how good he is at football, I like to consider myself kinda like him — that quiet chip on the shoulder guy.”
Zeuch, as his idol, has his focus only on winning. No matter the level or team, his mindset revolves around what he can do to help the name on the front of the jersey.
“ anything that can give my team the best chance to win and put them in a position to win.”
A 6’7″ right-hander, Zeuch primarily attacks hitters with a fastball, which has been known to reach the mid-to-high 90s, as well as his sinker. He is not a strikeout pitcher, but one who refuses to shy away from contact.
“I’ve got good movement to my fastball, which, to my defense’s credit behind me, it makes for short outings because I get a lot of early contact,” Zeuch explained. “For the most part, I’m fastball first, attacking guys getting early contact. Get in. Get out.”
Compared to past collegiate pitchers who were selected by Toronto in the first round, Zeuch is slightly ahead of schedule. Since 2012, only Marcus Stroman has pitched above High-A Dunedin within one year of being drafted.
Regardless of where he stacks up individually, Zeuch, as his past predecessors, is already uncovering the essentials of a Major League starter.
“I’m learning, now, how to pitch when only one of them is working,” said Zeuch, regarding his pitch repertoire. “When you’re in baseball and pitching 25-30 times a year, there are very few times where all four of your pitches will be working.
“Being able to go out and perform at my best when it matters is what’s most important. But, the four days in between is really where the grind kicks in and you have to be consistent in the weight room, the training room and your drill work.”
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As of now, T.J. Zeuch may not be a 5-time Super Bowl champion or even a starter for the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he does have the potential to continue to mature and be a key part of the Blue Jays rotation for many years to come.