Nick Sandlin, acquired in December's trade with the Cleveland Guardians, is bringing a unique sidearm delivery and impressive track record to the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen. Manager John Schneider praises Sandlin as a 'very useful' and 'low maintenance' pitcher who excels in his middle-inning role. Sandlin joins a bullpen that aims to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season and features a mix of established veterans and promising young arms.
Andres Gimenez was the headline acquisition for Toronto when the Blue Jays traded with the Cleveland Guardians last December. But right-hander Nick Sandlin, acquired in the same four-player deal, is proving to be a valuable addition to the Blue Jays ' bullpen. 'He's kind of the underrated guy of the bullpen,' said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. 'I was just as thrilled to get him as we were Andres.' Sandlin posted an impressive 8-0 record and 3.
75 earned run average in 68 appearances last season, striking out 68 batters over 57 2/3 innings while holding opposing batters to a .222 average. 'He's really useful,' Schneider added. 'Low maintenance and understands exactly what he needs to do to be good.' Sandlin, a second-round pick out of Southern Mississippi, made his big-league debut with Cleveland in 2021. He quickly established himself as a reliable middle-inning option, known for his strong splitter, slider, and mid-90s fastball. His unique sidearm delivery adds another dimension to the Blue Jays' pitching arsenal. 'I try to get down in there as much as I can at this point,' Sandlin said. 'It's mostly sidearm, just trying to create a little deception, a little something different for hitters to have to pick up the ball from.' The 67th overall draft selection in 2018 spent his entire career with Cleveland before the trade. The Guardians received first baseman Spencer Horwitz and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell in the deal. Sandlin admitted it took a few days to process the trade, but he's now excited about his new opportunity in Toronto. 'After a couple days went by, I just started to get excited for what's to come,' Sandlin said. 'I'm happy to be here and I'm ready to get rolling.' The addition of Gimenez, meanwhile, gives the Blue Jays a solid middle infield duo alongside a healthy Bo Bichette after he overcame an injury-plagued season. Gimenez is a three-time Gold Glove winner at second base. 'He's somebody that pitchers love to have behind them,' Sandlin said. 'He's just a very complete player.' Toronto's bullpen struggled last season, finishing last in the American League in ERA (4.82). Former closer Jordan Romano was non-tendered, while Jeff Hoffman is expected to take over the ninth-inning role. Yimi Garcia, who was traded at the deadline last summer, returned on a two-year deal
BLUE JAYS NICK SANDLIN BULLPEN CLEVELAND GUARDIANS TRADE JOHN SCHNEIDER TORONTO MLB
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