At the beginning of the year, it had seemed that the Toronto Blue Jays had found their closer. Julian Merryweather had been a revelation out of the bullpen, taking over the ninth inning at the start of the year. However, he quickly landed on the Injured List, leaving a gaping hole in the back of the bullpen.
On Monday, the Blue Jays received some good news. After numerous setbacks, Merryweather said that he is feeling better, and should be ready for a rehab assignment soon.
Julian Merryweather is on his way back after multiple oblique setbacks.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) August 9, 2021
He’s throwing bullpens and progressing towards live ABs.
“This next week’s going to be a big one. If I come out feeling really good, that’s going to be a huge sign that I’m pretty much game ready.”#BlueJays
Toronto Blue Jays desperately need Julian Merryweather back
Before being sidelined, Merryweather showed the potential to be the answer in the ninth inning. He had allowed just one hit and one walk in his 4.1 shutout innings, striking out seven while notching two saves. The Blue Jays bullpen, which had been a question, suddenly had potential.
Since Merryweather landed on the Injured List, the Blue Jays had attempted to cobble together their relief corps. This failed miserably, leading to a flurry of moves around the trade deadline to bolster the bullpen. Brad Hand, Trevor Richards, and Adam Cimber were all brought in as the Blue Jays looked to climb back into one of the Wild Card spots.
It may well come down to how Merryweather performs. As the Blue Jays have looked to fix their bullpen issues, the answer could come from within. While there is no guarantee that he will be the same pitcher he had been before injury, the Blue Jays have hope that Merryweather will be a part of the solution.
They may find that out soon. If he is able to get through the upcoming week without issue, Merryweather may only need a few rehab assignments before being activated. As a reliever, he may have a two or three week timeline, returning before the end of August. With every game being more important, Merryweather could prove to be a difference maker.
The Toronto Blue Jays may be getting a key reliever back in Julian Merryweather. His return cannot come soon enough.