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Toronto Blue Jays: Three most important additions to roster

By David Hill

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Matt Shoemaker

Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays had Matt Shoemaker in 2019. However, they brought him back after his season was cut short, which could bode well for their rotation.

When Shoemaker did take the mound for Toronto, he was impressive. Over his 28.2 innings, Shoemaker posted a 1.57 ERA and a 0.872 WHiP, striking out 24 batters with nine walks. While no one expects Shoemaker to be that pitcher in 2020, he does have a career 3.81 ERA and a 1.187 WHiP, giving the Blue Jays plenty of potential upside for their $4.2 million investment.

However, there are plenty of questions surrounding Shoemaker. As was the case with Ryu, his health is a major question mark. Shoemaker has just one season where he has made over 25 starts, and has not even had 20 appearances since 2016. In 2017 and 2018, Shoemaker was shut down due to forearm issues, and he tore his ACL in 2019.

As it stands, Shoemaker is a major wild card for the Blue Jays. He is currently slotted in as their fourth starter, but may have more upside than any back of the rotation arm in the division. If he can remain healthy, Shoemaker is a potential top of the rotation arm, perfectly slotting in behind Ryu in Toronto’s rotation.

But just like with Ryu, that is a big if. At least, if Matt Shoemaker has another injury plagued season, the Toronto Blue Jays did not break the bank to bring him back.

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