Baby Jays Preview + The FCL gets underway with John Axford starting

FCL Blue Jays (0-1) - Loss 8-7 to the FCL Phillies

In the first game action for the Florida Complex League, the Jays sent 38 year old TV announcer John Axford to the mound. Ax was getting his first affiliated game action in after signing a deal to join the Jays after the Olympic qualifier. Axford threw an inning, gave up a single and a stolen base, recording a strikeout and apparently heading directly to Trenton to join the Herd. Yaifer Perdomo followed and made his stateside debut. Perdomo struggled in his first inning, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 2 singles, 2 doubles, a field error, a passed ball and a wild pitch. Perdomo then threw 3 more innings, allowing 0 hits and striking out 7. Kelvin Perez made his Blue Jays organization debut allowing a solo HR in his inning. He also walked twice. Jiorgeny Casimiri moved down to FCL but his struggles continued. Casimiri gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks while recording 2 outs. The first batter Casimir faced hit a solo HR off of him. Soenni Martinez then threw the final 2.1 innings, allowing only a walk and striking out 3.

At the plate, the Jays picked up 10 hits and 5 walks on the day. Gabriel Martinez had the big game at the plate, as he picked up 3 hits, including a double and scoring a run. JJ D’Orazio started behind the plate and picked up 2 singles, driving in a run and scoring a run. D’Orazio also was 0-2 in catching base stealers and had a passed ball. Estiven Machado started the game at 2B, had a single in the first inning, and then left the game. His replacement was Jose Rivas, who had a hit and a walk, scoring 2 runs and driving in 2. 2019 July 2 signee Peniel Brito made his organizational debut and had a 3-run double in the 5th inning. Emmanuel Sanchez had a double and a walk, scoring a run. Rikelin De Castro had a double in his pro debut. Rainer Nunez picked up 2 walks. Jhon Solarte has moved down from Dunedin after struggling to start the year. Solarte was hit by a pitch. Overall, the FCL club had opportunities, as they had 19 at bats with runners in scoring position, but only were able to get 4 hits.

Today’s Probables

Buffalo sends TJ Zeuch (1-3, 4.39 ERA, 4.23 FIP, 4.55 xFIP) to the hill in game 1 of their series with Lehigh Valley.

New Hampshire has listed Johnny Barbato (0-1, 4.94 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 5.15 xFIP) to start in this one, as the Fisher Cats open a series with Portland

Vancouver is starting CJ Van Eyk (2-1, 4.21 ERA, 3.76 FIP, 4.14 xFIP) in game 1 in Everett.

Dunedin does not have a starter listed for their game today with Palm Beach. Based on last weeks rotation, Nathanael Perez is my guess for starter, though Perez did get hit pretty hard last time out.

The FCL Blue Jays get underway against the FCL Yankees this afternoon at noon. No starter is listed, and with it only being game 2, we have no clue who is starting. I am hoping for Eric Pardinho, but time will tell.