John Schneider says Ricky Tiedemann ‘in the mix’ to open season with Blue Jays
[ad_1]
After Toronto Blue Jays‘ No. 1 prospect Ricky Tiedemann impressed with five strikeouts over three innings Thursday, manager John Schneider isn’t taking an Opening Day roster spot off the table.
Speaking to reporters before the team’s Grapefruit League game Friday, Schneider was asked about which pitchers could be viable options if Kevin Gausman isn’t ready in time for the first series of the year.
“Mitch (White) being one of those, Yariel (Rodriguez), Wes (Parsons), (Paolo) Espino, even Rick,” Toronto’s skipper said. “There are a lot of guys in that conversation.”
Tiedemann, the top left-handed pitching prospect, according to Baseball America, being added to that list could be a significant development for the 21-year-old.
Toronto’s third-round pick in the 2021 draft was held to just 62 innings between three levels and the Arizona Fall League in 2023 due to some injury troubles. He was presumed to have needed some extra time to build up in the minors before making the jump to the big leagues.
“I think everyone kinda is. When you’re trying to win, you’re trying to put the best roster out there for the time being — or for the long term,” Schneider said when specifically asked about Tiedemann being a potential option. “I think last night was great. Great performance by him, kind of turned the corner a bit in his camp.
“But yeah, he’s in the mix, just like a lot of other guys… we’re just trying to put the best team out there.”
[ad_2]
