MLB Trade Deadline Preview: American League East
By David Hill
Toronto Blue Jays: Bullpen
The Blue Jays are a tough team to figure out as we look forward to the MLB trade deadline. Yes, they are under .500, but since a disastrous 2-11 start to the season, they have been one of the better teams in the game. Will that be enough to vault back into contention?
If so, the Blue Jays still have work to do. Getting Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson back helps the lineup, but the pitching staff is still a work in progress. In particular, the Blue Jays need help in the middle relief area of their bullpen.
Jason Grilli has is still striking out over a batter per inning, but has a 8.15 ERA and a 1.755 WHiP. J.P. Howell, the second lefty in the bullpen, has been even worse, posting a 8.31 ERA and a 2.192 WHiP, while walking seven batters in his 8.1 innings.
Fortunately, a middle relief pitcher, or even a second lefty, may not cost much. The Blue Jays do not have much in regards to top end talent, short of Vlad Jr. with their acquisitions over the years. Of course, if the Blue Jays do go into another tailspin, they could revamp that farm system in a hurry, with potential trades of Donaldson, Marco Estrada, and Francisco Liriano.
The next month will go a long way to determining what the Tornto Blue Jays do at the deadline. If they are still in contention, getting some needed help for the bullpen could be a priority.