Better know your Blue Jays 40-man: Thomas Pannone

Thomas Pannone came over to the Blue Jays, along with Samad Taylor, in the Joe Smith trade, back at the end of July 2017. I’m only Thomas when I’m in trouble, I’m guessing Pannone is in trouble a lot.

He’s had an interesting time of it. He was drafted by the Cubs, in the 33rd round of the 2012 as an outfielder. Apparently he didn’t want to be a pitcher, he wanted to play everyday. He didn’t sign.

Then in 2013 he was picked in the 9th round of the draft by Cleveland. In between he became a pitcher. A few good seasons in their minor league system and he comes to us.

Then, last March, he gets suspended for PEDs. He said he didn’t know how it got into his system. I tend not to buy that.

When Thomas came back he made nine mediocre starts in the minors (5.36 ERA, over 50.1 innings, allowing 58 hits, 13 walks and 53 strikeouts).

But then he came up to Toronto, in early August. He started off in the bullpen, had one bad outing and then three good ones. That was followed by his first MLB start on August 22nd, pitching 7 shutout innings against the Orioles, allowing just 1 hit. His next start, also against the Orioles, wasn’t as successful, 9 hits, 7 earned, in just 3.1. Back to the pen for a couple of appearances.

Then he finished out the season with 4 starts, going 3-0 with a 3.91 ERA. You would think, considering we are a rebuilding team, that those numbers would buy you a spot in the rotation. But you would be wrong.

PECOTA figures Pannone to make 13 starts for the Jays, with a 5.24 ERA. They also have Buchholtz making 13 starts, that one I’d take the over on.

For Pannone, unless something bad happens, or two or three bad things happening, he’ll start the season in Buffalo and battle a bunch of guys to be the first called up when we need another starter. Or another reliever, I’m sure he wouldn’t be picky.