taijuan walker blue jays

Taijuan Walker brings a new and improved cutter to the Blue Jays, So they went out and got Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners. It acts more like a slider than a true cutter (Fangraphs actually labels it as such), but regardless this pitch has been very effective for Walker. The pitch breaks 5.1 inches which is 1.7 inches more than comparable cutters. We will see if the Blue Jays try and alter his pitch mix a bit to maximize him even more or if they just leave him be and let him keep doing what he’s been doing. Third, the Blue Jays may employ a piggyback approach for Pearson, who has not thrown many innings in recent years: 2017 – 20.1; 2018 – 1.2; 2019 – 101.2; and 2020- 18.0. Right-hander Taijuan Walker, traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday morning, is 2-2 with a 4.00 ERA in five starts this season with 25 strikeouts over 27 innings. So they went out and got Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners. Eighteen hits and nine walks allowed in 17 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays is not exactly stellar. TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-hander Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners, bolstering a starting rotation missing three … August 27, 2020. In 2017 when he joined the Arizona Diamondbacks his cutter usage jumped to 15% and his fastball usage fell to 54%, and he had a breakout season. Brought over in … Taijuan Walker pitched six shutout innings in his Toronto debut and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio each hit two-run singles as the Blue Jays beat the … The Blue Jays have acquired Taijuan Walker from the Mariners, source tells The Athletic. So far, the results for both pitches has been excellent. Walker could enter spring training as … He has countered that by slowing down his cutter, to a career-low 85.4 mph. He had 50 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings. Walker isn’t a game-changing arm. Injuries derailed his next two seasons, and have taken a lot off of his fastball. It’s mostly been by design that no other starter has reached pitch No. This isn’t David Price circa 2015, but he’s a solid pitcher who can help this team push towards the playoffs. Walker’s best pitch looks to be his cutter. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I have two summers-worth of experience covering MLB’s Detroit Tigers — first with MLB.com, then with The Athletic — and have other past bylines at places such as the Detroit Free Press, SB Nation, The Hockey News and The Score. That leaves Jake Odorizzi and Taijuan Walker as the big-name free agent pitchers left on the market. He throws it 22% of the time and it averages 85.6 mph. Walker’s cutter has been really good this season, he gets good movement on it and gets strikeouts. Breathing new life into his cutter — and leaning less on his fastball — could help him cash in. So they went out and got Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners. He’s dropped the fastball usage down to 34.5% and, in turn, is throwing more cutters and split-fingers. © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. I have two summers-worth of experience. His stat line was pretty ugly in Tuesday’s 20-6 loss to the Yankees (1 2/3 innings, six hits, seven runs, one earned run and two strikeouts), but a lot of that had to do with Derek Fisher’s meltdown in right field. According to Pat Pagazzo, a Mets and Yankees writer, the Blue Jays are focused on Walker more so than Odorizzi… If Fisher catches a pair of routine fly balls, Walker gets out of the second inning on 24 pitches without allowing any runs. He attacks hitters with a five-pitch mix, four-seamer, cutter, spilt-finger, sinker and a curve. Walker had previously expressed his desire to return to Toronto, citing the team's potential, family-like atmosphere, use of pitching analytics and "amazing" fans. Fangraphs currently has the Blue Jays playoff odds at 65.7%. Still, Walker’s cutter has 1.3 inches of horizontal movement more than the average, according to Baseball Savant, compared to other cutters across the majors within 2 mph and 0.5 feet of his release point. As you can see he gets a ton of movement on this pitch. He gets in trouble when he misses that spot and leaves the pitch inside to right-handed hitters. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 03: Taijuan Walker #0 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the ... [+] Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on September 03, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. That’s a pretty decent chunk of cash for a guy coming off of a 6.64 ERA season with significant injury history. Walker (3-2), who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners two days earlier, allowed four hits and three walks while passing four … As the cliché goes, he’s become more of a pitcher than a thrower. Much like a slider, Walker tends to throw the cutter down and away to right-handed batters. That ranks 16 among cutters. When it goes well, it looks something like this: Naturally, the slower cutter is breaking more. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are mashing for the Toronto Blue Jays, but everyone north of … Instead, let’s refocus on what Walker has done well to maintain such a low ERA: a rejiggered pitch mix, featuring a reduced fastball rate and an influx of his slower-but-steadier cutter. An important factor to consider for Walker is that this is his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May of 2018. The good news is that Walker hasn’t missed very much this season. Blue Jays acquire Taijuan Walker to bolster depleted starting staff Injuries have hurt Toronto’s playoff push, and Walker will provide the much … That’s not a revelation — it’s just how gravity works. Now throwing 93 he can’t just pump fastballs in there and be successful. He doesn’t throw overly hard, averaging 93 on the fastball. Please enter your email address to reset your password. That’s comparable to where it was in his last healthy season in 2017, but roughly 4-5 mph below where it’s been in most seasons. Brought over in exchange for Rookie ball prospect Alberto Rodriguez, Walker has produced a 1.56 ERA in four starts for the Blue Jays, offering assistance to a rotation that has been hit hard by injuries. Mariners trade Taijuan Walker to the Blue Jays for a player to be named later . And even if he sees some regression in future starts, Walker can be a back-end contributor to a playoff rotation. He pitched just 13 innings that year, then came back to pitch one inning on the final day of the 2019 season. Taijuan Walker will make his Toronto Blue Jays debut on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, according to manager Charlie Montoyo. He’s struck out close to a batter an inning keeps the walks mostly in check. His cutter usage typically lives in the 6-15 percent range, but is up to 22.6 percent in 2020. Still, the fastball-cutter tandem is making a difference. Taijuan Walker, who has reportedly joined the Mets, was 4-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 11 starts last season for the Mariners and Blue Jays. Factor in his 2-1 record and an impressive 1.37 ERA after arriving in Toronto from Seattle in 2020 and the case is strong. Per Baseball Savant he throws each pitch at least 10% of the time. With that said, Walker’s fastball is not quite what it once was. But there are reasons to be concerned with Walker’s numbers since he landed in Toronto: his 5.68 FIP is glaring, and a sign that he has been statistically fortunate. Blue Jays Add Taijuan Walker for Depth. Photo by Abbie Parr / Getty Images Article content. Instead of making his next scheduled start for Thursday afternoon at Petco Park in San Diego, Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker will be getting ready to head east to join the Blue Jays. Taijuan Walker is seen pitching for the Seattle Mariners against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in 2015. mid-range velocity and a large pitch mix. Taijuan Walker, who is 2-2 with a 4.00 ERA in five starts this season, has been traded from the Mariners to the Blue Jays in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations. I cover Toronto-area teams, including the Blue Jays and Leafs, for Forbes in addition to working on the news desk at Sportsnet. When he locates in that spot he has success. The Toronto Blue Jays are already getting a delectable return on investment in their deadline deal for veteran starter Taijuan Walker. The pitch has a 24.4 whiff% per Baseball Savant, the highest of his pitches, and it’s been responsible for 12 of Walker’s 25 strikeouts. Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning of a game on Aug. 19, 2020, in Seattle. In 27.0 innings Walker has a 4.00 ERA, a 4.94 FIP and a 4.77 xFIP. Both clubs announced the trade. Taijuan Walker went boldly where no Blue Jays starter had gone before, at least in 2020, when he crossed the 100-pitch plateau on Sunday in one of the biggest outings of the season from Toronto’s pitching staff. The Blue Jays caught the first notable starting pitcher of the cutoff season, acquiring a right Taijuan Walker Mariners in exchange for a player to be named later. I am a proud alumnus of Ohio University, as well as Ohio's student newspaper, The Post. Instead, he had to throw another 19 pitches that inning, allowing a total of seven runs in the process. He relied heavily on his fastball which he threw close to 60% of the time. Throughout his career, Walker’s four-seam fastball usage has been in the 55-64 percent range. He fits into the exact mould of a Blue Jays starting pitcher: mid-range velocity and a large pitch mix. The Blue Jays acquired starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from the Mariners on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. You may opt-out by. BUFFALO, NY – Taijuan Walker did not give up any runs in six innings in his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, who shut out the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 on Saturday night. https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/40a0951d-2c89-4a39-afd1-6483731acee8.mp4, https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/a8172c4d-c4ed-47b0-8364-8c5dfd4ea02d.mp4, Random Thoughts: Smith down, Puljujarvi, Scoreboard Watching, and more, CanucksArmy post game: Hawryluk’s defensive play, the Sens’ EBUG, and Bo Horvat’s salute, Joe Thornton, Rasmus Sandin have best game as Leafs in win over Jets, Three Storylines Heading into Jets Rematch Against Maple Leafs, Red Wings G Jonathan Bernier Makes History During Latest Defeat Against Stars, WrestleMania 36 Odds: Lesnar, Goldberg Both Underdogs. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. It’s his go-to strikeout pitch and one he typically throws when he’s looking for the strikeout. Walker will bring some stability to the back-end of the rotation. The Athletic ’s … — Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) January 13, 2021 Could the right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker return for the Blue Jays, it’s very likely judging by his recent social media post. Toronto will be sending a player to be named or cash considerations back in the deal. Taijuan Walker brings a new and improved cutter to the Blue Jays August 27, 2020, 2:00 PM | Paul Berthelot Having lost Nate Pearson, Matt Shoemaker and Trent Thornton to injury, the Blue Jays were desperately in need of some pitching. When the league announced an expanded playoff format on the eve of the season, the Blue Jays were clear beneficiaries. Seattle has traded Taijuan Walker to Toronto. Having lost Nate Pearson, Matt Shoemaker and Trent Thornton to injury, the Blue Jays were desperately in need of some pitching. The question was not when 28-year-old righty Taijuan Walker would be traded but to who? Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on September 03, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. Walker when he first came up to the big leagues with the Mariners he threw his cutter 6-7% of the time. That ranks in the top 10 in MLB. That home run by Yuli Gurriel was the only cutter out of 95 thrown to be hit for a home run this season. Walker is on the cusp of hitting free agency. Walker used to be a pitcher who averaged 95 mph and could dial it up to 100 mph. The Toronto Blue Jays are already getting a delectable return on investment in their deadline deal for veteran starter Taijuan Walker. Taijuan Walker made his Blue Jays debut on Saturday vs the Orioles. In the old, five-team format, we gave them just a 9.7% chance of reaching the postseason; the cream of the AL crop had a stranglehold on those spots. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society BrandVoice, Rafael Nadal Outlasts Stefanos Tsitsipas For 12th Barcelona Title, Buffalo Bills: Grading Brandon Beane’s NFL Draft Performance, The Green Bay Packers Could Trade Back For Injured DE Dayo Odeyingbo, Nascar Partners With Boys & Girls Clubs Of America, Kemba Walker Rounding Into Form Could Pay Huge Dividends For The Boston Celtics, Bangladesh’s Drought Of Playing Test Cricket In Australia Set To Extend Past Two Decades, Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Loves Trading Up In The NFL Draft, Indiana Pacers Add Amida Brimah On Two-Way Deal To Gain Size, Waive Brian Bowen II, Fastball: .160 batting average, .380 slugging percentage and .311 wOBA, Cutter: .167 batting average, .375 slugging percentage, .239 wOBA. The Blue Jays acquired right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker in a trade with the Mariners on Thursday. Aug. 27, 2020 at 8:53 am Updated Aug. 27, 2020 at 4:59 pm . His average velocity is 93.1 mph this year — directly in line with league average — which is down 1-2 mph from his pre-surgery days. Speaking of walks, new Blue Jay Tyler Chatwood will be a major project for pitching coach Pete Walker this spring. Someone with a large array of pitches, with one standout pitch. Taijuan Walker is the exact type of pitcher the Blue Jays want. The Blue Jays added another arm in acquiring Taijuan Walker from Seattle. No need to dwell on that any further. This year, it’s down to 36. Latest on New York Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN I cover Toronto-area teams, including the Blue Jays and Leafs, for Forbes in addition to working on the news desk at Sportsnet. Therefore, sliding Walker or Odorizzi into the starting five makes sense because the Blue Jays would maintain the team’s flexibility in the starter-long man category. The Blue Jays have acquired starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from the Mariners ahead of Monday’s MLB trade deadline, according to multiple reports. Blue Jays Acquire Taijuan Walker By Steve Adams | August 27, 2020 at 11:18am CDT The Blue Jays have grabbed the first notable starting pitcher … The Mariners answered that who is now the Toronto or Buffalo Blue Jays – depending on your perspective – … Walker’s cutter has a similar shape to the common slider, designed to pull away from right-handed batters and finish near the bottom of the outer-third of the strike zone (or bottom inner-third for lefties). Taijuan Walker is on the move again after reportedly being traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 27, 2020 The player the Mariners … Walker posted a 4-3 record and 2.70 ERA with the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays in 2020. by Ben Clemens. Walker has a 4.00 ERA, a 4.94 FIP and a large array of pitches, taijuan walker blue jays. Mostly in check the process Abbie Parr / Getty Images Article content am a proud of... Make his Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher: mid-range velocity and a large array of pitches, one. Spot he has countered that by slowing down his cutter 6-7 % of the rotation and Blue. Has countered that by slowing down his cutter leaning less on his fastball — could help him cash.., to a batter an inning keeps the walks mostly in check typically in. Breathing new life into his cutter — and leaning less on his fastball which he threw his —... 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