Toronto Blue Jays: What’s next for Nate Pearson after injury in 2018 debut?
Toronto Blue Jays top prospect Nate Pearson suffers an injury in his 2018 debut. Whats next for the youngster?
Dunedin, FL – After missing the first month of the season due to an oblique injury, Nate Pearson, the Toronto Blue Jays top pitching prospect, made his long-awaited season debut for High A Dunedin. In the top of the second inning, Bradenton Marauders Tyler Gaffney scorched a line drive off Pearson’s right elbow.
Pearson kept his arm flexed at the elbow and close to his side the entire time. A source later reported that Pearson was diagnosed with a broken ulna. He was able to walk off the field under his own power and did not return to the dugout. Before the injury, Pearson had completed 1.2 IP, struggling with his command.
His release point on his offspeed was erratic. Bradenton, the Pirates High A affiliate, came out hunting the fastball and they did not miss. This is the same veteran lineup that greeted Phillies phenom Sixto Sanchez to 7 hits and 4 ER in his four-inning season debut on April 15.
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In total, Pearson threw 35 pitches/20 strikes, allowing five hits and 1 HR. He walked none and struck out 1.
His fastball sat 94-96, touching 99. He struggled to keep the ball down and was overthrowing his pitches. His offspeed flashed plus with an 84 mph slider that showed two-plane tilt and a 73 mph curve that was 10-6 at times. His change-up was 89-90.
After allowing two runs in the first inning on a long HR by Albert Baur, Pearson looked much more comfortable to start the second. He allowed an infield single to Jason Delay after sawing him off with 95 on the hands.
Despite falling behind the next two Marauders, Pearson was able to record two quick outs, including a strikeout.
Tyler Gaffney was the next and final hitter Pearson would face. He fell behind 2-0 with two straight wild pitches on the curve and fastball before Gaffney lined a 95 mph fastball back up the middle.
In all, this is a crushing blow to Nate Pearson, his family, the Toronto Blue Jays, and fans. The extent of the fracture or the timeline for a return is still unknown. Fractures typically take 4-6 weeks to heal before rehab can begin. A late-season return is not out of the question.