Anytime I get to use this photograph as the header for an article, I am happy.
On Monday afternoon, the Blue Jays beat the Tigers for the third time this spring. The offence was quiet for the first seven innings, before quickly putting up five in the final two innings, beating Detroit 5-0.
Let’s look at the player of the game, as well as things worth mentioning from Monday’s game.
Blue Jays Nation’s player of the game: Kevin Gausman
This is one of the most obvious post-game awards to be given out. Gausman pitched five scoreless innings, recording six strikeouts, no walks, and allowing just three hits on 86 pitches. He looks like he’s already in mid-season form, which is fantastic news for the Blue Jays.
Gausman has pitched 13.2 innings this spring, allowing a single run that wasn’t earned. Moreover, he has the most strikeouts for the Jays with 18 and a 35.3 K% with a 5.9 BB%.
Here's Kevin Gausman (@KevinGausman) strikeout thread from Monday afternoon.
This one was on a 96.5 mph fastball to get the swing and miss.#BlueJays pic.twitter.com/pxC06b4Uou
— Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) March 20, 2023
I’d expect a big season from Gausman in 2023.
Things worth mentioning:
Devonte Brown hit his first home run of the spring, 95.6 mph off the bat. Brown had a 171 wRC+ with the Blue Jays last season, the highest out of any player with 100 or more plate appearances. He also had a 43.1 hard hit percentage on his 72 balls in play with the Dunedin Blue Jays. Somehow, the 23-year-old when undrafted.
Just some clarification, this was Devonte Brown (@DevonteBrown03)'s home run which gave the Blue Jays a 5-0 lead.
Devonte Brown had the highest wRC+ at 171 in the Blue Jays system (min: 100 PA). He also smashed the ball, as he had a 43.1 hard hit % on his 72 balls in play. pic.twitter.com/L4IBWmPU6U
— Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) March 20, 2023
Trent Thornton’s mechanics look a lot cleaner so far into spring training. There appears to be less torque on his elbow, and it’s quicker to the plate. On Monday, he struck out two of the three batters he faced, one on a slider and the other on a curveball. It’s also worth mentioning that his curveball.
A nasty 78.3 mph curveball for his second strikeout of the afternoon.
60 inches of downward movement. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/0Ruu2Q2DP7
— Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) March 20, 2023
Wynton Bernard continues to do well in spring training. The right-handed batting outfielder had a 106.6 mph double, which brought in the eventual winning run. Moreover, he stole home to give the Jays a 2-0 lead. Bernard is slashing .226/.235/.323 in spring, and will likely start the 2023 season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
Wynton Bernard (@SaintBerny36) gives the Blue Jays a late lead in the top of the 8th inning!
106.6 mph down the pull side line.
1-0 Blue Jays.#BlueJays pic.twitter.com/UaWRT0Aw5I
— Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) March 20, 2023
Jay Jackson may not earn a bullpen spot out of camp, but he’s proving that he may deserve one of the first call-ups if there are injuries. On Monday, he struck out two and allowed a hit, but has yet to allow an earned run in his 9.1 innings pitched. His 13 strikeouts in spring are tied for the fourth most with Trevor Richards and are the most for a reliever.
Here's his second strikeout of the game on an 85.7 mph slider. pic.twitter.com/6Eb5MtDsgX
— Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) March 20, 2023
The Blue Jays have an off-day on Tuesday but return to game action on Wednesday at 1:07 PM against the Baltimore Orioles. It will be on Sportsnet and MLB.tv.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Brennan_L_D.
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