Taijuan Walker is working with a revamped arsenal and approach. ArdenZwelling breaks down what you can expect from the new Blue Jays pitcher.
Ultimately, Walker made only four big-league appearances over the span of 33 months between his last full season and this one, in which he’s made five. So far, he’s put up a 106 ERA+ with 8.3 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9. Those results are certainly encouraging. But perhaps more meaningful is the simple feat of taking regular turns in a rotation and finally feeling like himself again. Or at least his new self.
“And I think that’s changed my mentality, having that time off. I got to watch some of the best pitchers in Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer and all those guys — and watch how they attacked and how they went about their business on the mound. I was able to learn a lot from them.” It’s not difficult to see why. Here’s Chris Taylor — during Walker’s final outing with the Mariners last week against the Los Angeles Dodgers — going down chasing one that started well on the plate:
He’s allowed opposition hitters to bat just .107 with a .214 slugging percentage against his slider this season, despite throwing it more than any pitch other than his fastball. And the expected stats running peripheral to those numbers — a .166 batting average and .258 slugging percentage, based on the quality of contact he’s allowed — don’t trigger alarm bells.
Within one plate appearance during that outing against the Dodgers, Walker got Corey Seager to swing through the pitch both on the plate…All these new toys play off of Walker’s fastball, of course, which he has to be throwing for strikes in order to make it all work. But fortunately for him, that’s seldom been an issue. Walker boasts a 2.8 career BB/9, and has issued only eight free passes over his 27 innings this season. And he’s actually been living in the zoneoften in 2020, throwing 54.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blue Jays acquire starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from Mariners - Sportsnet.caBlue Jays acquiring starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from Mariners in exchange for a player to be named later.
Read more »
Blue Jays acquisition Walker brings 'complete' arsenal to injured rotation - Sportsnet.ca'His arsenal is complete.' The BlueJays, taking on the role of a buyer while in possession of a playoff spot, will be glad to have Taijuan Walker's presence in a rotation down three starters. (Via ShiDavidi)
Read more »
Why The Blue Jays Can Say More By Playing Less | Podcasts - Sportsnet.ca
Read more »
8 starting pitchers Blue Jays could target in next trade - Sportsnet.caThe Toronto Blue Jays already acquired Taijuan Walker, but they may still add more starting pitching before the trade deadline. Here are eight players they could target.
Read more »
Blue Jays' Jordan Romano leaves game vs. Orioles with finger injury - Sportsnet.caToronto Blue Jays reliever Jordan Romano was removed Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after sustaining an injury to his right middle finger.
Read more »
As Blue Jays arrive at midway point, they're undeniably contenders - Sportsnet.caIt’s becoming more apparent the BlueJays have reason to see themselves as contenders. After their 5-4 win over the Orioles, they extend their lead over Baltimore for the final AL spot to 2.5 games. (Via bnicholsonsmith)
Read more »