Better know your Blue Jays 40-man: David Paulino

David Paulino, along with Ken Giles and Hector Perez came over from the Astros in the Roberto Osuna trade. I thought a surprisingly good return, considering the circumstances.

Before the season, our old friend John Sickels had Paulino as the Astros’ number 5 prospect, saying this:

5) David Paulino, RHP, Grade B: Age 23; lost most of the season due to elbow problems and PED suspension; posted 4.50 ERA in 14 innings in Triple-A, 13/9 K/BB; 6.52 ERA in six major league starts, 34/7 K/BB in 29 innings before suspension; still has one of the highest ceilings in the system, fastball can hit 98 and secondary pitches (curve, change) have improved, usually throws strikes; questions about durability and role remain in play. ETA 2018.

Before the trade, David had missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. In 2017 he missed time after surgery for bone spurs and he had a 80-game suspension for PEDs. He’s had an interesting time of it.

After the trade, Paulino did get into some Jays games in September, pitching in 7 games, 6.2 innings, 6 hits, 1 homer, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts.

I figured he had a spot on this year’s staff, and then we signed John Axford and Bud Norris and the odds got a lot longer. Personally, I would rather give Paulino a chance. It seems to me that if we are rebuilding we should try out some of the guys that will be with us through the rebuild.

PECOTA figures Paulino to pitch in 48 innings, have a 3.44 ERA, allow 41 hits, 52 strikeout and 18 walks. I’d like to think that if he pitched that well, he’d pitch more, but since he doesn’t have a clear path to a roster spot, 48 innings might be tough to get.

I’d really like to see him secure a spot in our bullpen for the future.

Let’s try this: