Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher started off 2019 as one of the league’s best pitchers as well as one of the most underrated off-season signings. Now, his 2019 is over.
When Matt Shoemaker was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays, to many, it could have been considered a head-scratcher.
They let their previous staff ace in Marco Estrada walk in free agency, and Shoemaker was coming off of three-consecutive injury-plagued seasons. Shoemaker had not had a complete season since 2015.
The start of 2019 felt different.
He proved he could still pitch at the level he did during his rookie season in 2014. In 28.2 innings pitched, Shoemaker had a 3-0 record, a 1.57 ERA, 24 strikeouts and a WHIP below 0.9.
He was pitching well and he was helping his Blue Jays teammates stay afloat in a very up-for-grabs division at the moment.
Then, in a flash, the air was let out of the room.
While doing nothing more than helping his team in a rundown, and getting the tag for the out, Shoemaker was seen clutching his knee at play’s conclusion:
Replay on what happened:
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) April 20, 2019
Appears to be grabbing his knee. pic.twitter.com/E6SkfHK5b9
The Blue Jays would end up winning this game, but losing Shoemaker drained all energy for celebration.
When the news was released Sunday, many members of the Blue Jays expressed their support for Shoemaker, like Marcus Stroman:
Man, my heart is so heavy for my brother @MattShoe52! Prayers for a healthy recovery that shatters timetables! @BlueJays
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 22, 2019
Later on in the evening, after the news had broke, Shoemaker shared a personal message to his followers on his Twitter:
Stay strong and keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/gDjV0dUDP8
— Matt Shoemaker (@MattShoe52) April 22, 2019
This is more than just disheartening for Shoemaker and his team. This is heartbreak for fans of Shoemaker and fans who crave a great comeback story.
Shoemaker’s start would have easily put him on pace for a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year. It would have been a worthwhile accomplishment on what has been a long, winding road for the Blue Jays’ starter.
This would have proven that Shoemaker can still pitch at the level he did his first two seasons. Now, all of that is lost.
He is only on a one-year contract, so his future is certainly in jeopardy. If not a sign of good faith, perhaps the Toronto Blue Jays will consider the product that was placed fourth in his five starts, and extend him an invitation for next season.