Blue Jays Notes: Bassitt's Low Velo; Varsho Breaks Through

Chris Bassitt and Daulton Varsho had noteworthy games Sunday during Blue Jays spring training.

© Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

DUNEDIN, FL — Chris Bassitt is still building up.

The right-hander made his second start of the spring, tossing three full innings and allowing two runs on two hits. Bassitt needed just 42 pitches to sit everyone down, and right now he’s keeping a patient approach as he readies for a 162-game season.

"I wish my velo was up a little bit more," said Bassitt, who averaged 89.9 mph on his sinker Sunday, down from 92.8 mph during last year’s regular season. "But, overall, I know the process of what it takes to get ready for a season."

Bassitt looked calm on the hill, even as the Phillies broke through for two runs against him. He said he was satisfied with his pitching "lanes," locations, and his rapport with catcher Danny Jansen. The duo also used a new version of PitchCom together for the first time.

At this stage in his career, the 34-year-old knows his identity; the spring results don’t really bother him.

"It’s just a matter of trusting the process and constantly keep working and knowing that in four weeks, when the season actually rolls around, that I’ll be there," Bassitt said.

As a veteran, Bassitt doesn’t have anything to prove. There’s a nice level of security in his role with the Blue Jays that he remembers not having as a rookie breaking into the big leagues.

"For rookies, it’s really hard to go full bore, be ready in February, and then also be ready in October," Bassitt explained. "I think that’s a really tough task for young guys to do."

Around The Bases

Daulton Varsho recorded his first extra-base hit of the Grapefruit League season. The 26-year-old hadn’t quite found his timing at the plate before Sunday, but he cranked a line drive double to left field and raced around the bases. He finished 2-for-3 with a stolen base and made a sliding grab in left field before subbing out.

The Blue Jays need a fourth outfielder, and there are a few interesting options. Nathan Lukes picked up an RBI single off Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, adding to an already outstanding spring (.300/.385/.500). The 28-year-old posted solid numbers in Triple-A a season ago but never got the call. He’s a left-handed bat who profiles as an above-average outfielder capable of playing all three outfield spots.

"I liked what I’ve seen so far," manager John Schneider said of Lukes.

Blue Jays prospect Zach Britton also clubbed a double off the wall. He’s focusing on tightening his swing this spring, but the power has been exceptional.

On the mound, José Berríos had a shaky go of it, pitching three innings while allowing two earned runs on five hits. His first inning was especially sketchy – Kyle Schwarber roasted a deep homer off the batter’s eye in center.

Berríos is trying to restore some order to his game on the mound. The 28-year-old struggled mightily in 2022, leading the AL in hits allowed (199) and earned runs (100), and his latest spring outing didn’t inspire a ton of confidence.

"I think fastball command is going to be the thing for him," Schneider said. "It sounds very basic for any pitcher, but that's kind of where damage occurred last year on the fastball missing [Berríos'] spot."

The right-hander will now depart for the World Baseball Classic’s pool play in Miami, where he’ll pitch in Puerto Rico’s rotation. 

Read more on Berríos’ key to success this season.