Blue Jays have another pitching injury
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Given that opening day is one week away, this likely ends Pop's chances of breaking camp with the team.
The good news is that an MRI revealed no structural damage but the Blue Jays will still shut him down for the next week or so in order to prevent any further damage.
Pop had an up-and-down spring and was on the outside looking in in competing for the final spot in the Blue Jays bullpen. However, we is also out of options so the Jays would have had to DFA him and risk losing him if he did not make the final 26-man roster come opening day.
With his injury, they can delay that process by putting him on the 10 day IL to start the season.
In seven games this spring, Pop has gone 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 8 strikeouts in 6.2 innings. He also has one save.
The native of Brampton, Ontario was a 7th round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 before making his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2020. He was traded to the Blue Jays along with Anthony Bass and Edwin Duran for Jordan Groshans midway through the 2022 season.
He is one of a few relievers on the 40 man roster without any options remaining, along with Ryan Burr and Tommy Nance.
Previously on Blue Jays Central
| POLL | ||
MARS 20 | 119 ANSWERS Blue Jays have another pitching injury Does Zach Pop pitch for the Blue Jays this season? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 40.3 % |
| No | 71 | 59.7 % |
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