Why Jake Bloss could be a dark horse candidate for a spot in Blue Jays' rotation

Jake Bloss, a right-handed prospect ranked 10th in Toronto’s system, delivered a strong first rehab start with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays after Tommy John surgery. He pitched four innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out five batters, and issuing no walks. He showed command by throwing 50 pitches with 36 for strikes. The outing provides encouragement for a team facing significant injury problems in its rotation. Dylan Cease is on the 15-day IL with a mild left hamstring strain, and only Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Patrick Corbin remain healthy for the next three weeks. Jose Berrios is undergoing Tommy John surgery, Cody Ponce tore his ACL, and Max Scherzer is progressing through multiple injury recoveries.

"Jake Boss, the 10th-ranked prospect in Toronto's system, was dominant in his first rehab start with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays on Sunday as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery. The right-handed pitcher's first two outings were in rookie ball, as part of the Florida Complex League (FCL). In four innings of work, Bloss gave up just one run on three hits and struck out five batters while walking none. The 24-year-old showed great command and threw 50 pitches, including 36 for strikes."

"That leaves the club with just three viable starting options for the next three weeks. Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Patrick Corbin are the only healthy starters remaining after a whirlwind of maladies that have contributed heavily to an extremely disappointing season so far. Last week, it was announced that Jose Berrios would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the next 12-18 months, breaking up a remarkable run of durability for the veteran."

"In his first start with the team, Cody Ponce tore his anterior cruciate ligament and will also miss the entire season. Max Scherzer threw a bullpen session last week, but the next steps in his recovery from right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation, and a recurring thumb issue are being determined. It was reported that he was throwing against live hitters on Wednesday morning (May 27)."

Read at Jays Journal