Game #41 Preview: Pomeranz vs Biagini

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there!

The Blue Jays look to take the series this afternoon against the Red Sox. The game gets underway at 1:07 ET.

Blue Jays’ Starter

Joe Biagini has taken Marcus Stroman’s spot in the rotation. Biagini started the year as the Blue Jays’ 6th starter, ready to be called upon by the Blue Jays in times of need, such as an injured starter or as an addition to the roster for a double header. He has made 2 starts for the latter, and this will his first turn at covering for the former.

In his first 2 starts for the Jays, Biagini has allowed 9 runs in 10 innings, surrendering 16 hits and 4 walks plus 2 home runs while striking out 8. He has also beaned 2 and thrown 2 wild pitches, so he hasn’t had the best control to start his MLB season.

In Buffalo, things haven’t been a whole lot better. Through 4 starts and 21.2 innings, he has allowed 12 runs on 19 hits and 8 walks (plus another HBP), striking out 13 and surrendering 1 home run.

There have been a lot of comments about sending Biagini back to the bullpen. I don’t understand the reasoning behind that yet. They committed to giving Biagini a legitimate chance at being a starter this year, and allowing him a chance to develop as such in Buffalo and then come to Toronto when needed. I see no reason to not give him the whole year to see how it goes before pulling the plug. He throws a couple different fastballs, plus a changeup and curveball, and all have the potential to be good pitches. He has struggled with command of these pitches through a full game, which to me says that he needs reps to get better. No sense giving up on someone who can be a very solid backend starter to turn him into a reliever before he’s had a legitimate chance to show he can’t cut it as a starter (and 98 sporadic innings isn’t a fair barometer, especially when his FIP as a starter is 4.52).

Red Sox’ Starter

Left hander Drew Pomeranz is making his 5th start of the year. He got a late start to his season, coming back from a forearm injury he suffered in his first start of Spring Training. His Minor League rehab stint consisted of only 2 starts, so he was a bit rusty coming back, as his overall numbers show. Through 20.2 innings, Pomeranz has a 5.23 ERA, and his 5.52 FIP isn’t an encouraging sign for him.

But his last couple starts have been better as he builds up strength. He’s gone 6 innings in each start, allowing 3 runs against the Royals, and then only 2 solo home runs against the Yankees his last time out.

Blue Jay’s Lineup

Lourdes Gurriel Jr has been sent down (I’m guessing AAA), while the Jays have called up Deck McGuire.

Red Sox Lineup

I was really hoping it would have been posted by now.

Mookie Betts has destroyed Biagini in the past (6-11, 2 home runs). So tune in early to make sure you don’t miss any scoring (although hopefully Biagini can win those battles today).

Yesterday’s Heroes

Francisco Lindor gets the Monster Bat Award from yesterday. Mr. Smile went 4-4 with a pair of homers and doubles as Cleveland beat the Royals 6-2.

Neil Walker was the WPA King, hitting a big single in the 4 run 5th before chipping in the walkoff single in the 11th as the Yankees beat the Athletics 7-6.

Charlie Morton of the Astros is the Pitcher of the Day. Over 7 innings, Morton allowed 1 run on 4 hits, striking out 14 while walking none as Houston beat Texas 6-1.

Milestone Watch

Josh Donaldson needs 1 walk to tie Ed Sprague for 20th as a Blue Jay, 1 double to get to 100 for his Blue Jays’ career, and 3 more home runs to tie Shawn Green for 13th as a Blue Jay.

Aaron Loup is 11 relief appearances away from tying Scott Downs for 8th in Blue Jays’ history.

Find the Link

Find the link between Pomeranz and the great Gob.