Nate Pearson Optioned to AAA

Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson was sent to AAA Buffalo following a five walk 2021 debut

Mitch Bannon | May 11, 2021

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Pearson's days as a rotation mainstay aren't here quite yet.

After just one start in the Majors, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that Pearson was optioned to AAA on Tuesday. Pearson was recalled to start Sunday's game against the Houston Astros, but a zero strikeout, five walk performance was not enough to hold a rotation spot.

Reliever Jeremy Beasley was recalled in the corresponding roster move, and will be active for tonight's game.

Lasting just 2.1 innings, Pearson threw 28 strikes on 64 pitches, struggling to locate his fastball. Pearson had a 6.5 BB per nine in 18 MLB innings last year, but walked just 2.4 per nine across three minor league levels in 2019.

“He made some strides in his first AAA outing," Manager Charlie Montoyo said Tuesday. "He still has some work to do, but the sky’s the limit.”

Pearson was recalled from AAA after just one start, largely due to Toronto's depleted bullpen and the start day lining up with Pearson's rest, Montoyo said. As of right now, lefty Anthony Kay — who followed Pearson in Sunday's outing — will fill Toronto's fifth rotation spot, per Montoyo.

The Blue Jays option RHP Nate Pearson to AAA Buffalo/Trenton, recall RHP Jeremy Beasley.

Jays acquired Beasley a few weeks ago from the DBacks for cash considerations. Beasley is a Fastball/Changeup/Slider guy who sits ~92.

Pearson must now stay in AAA for at least 10 days
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 11, 2021

Pearson will return to AAA Buffalo/Trenton and, barring injury, will be down at least 10 days. Sportsnet's Ben Wagner reported that, at the alternate site and in AAA, Pearson was working on new pitch mechanics to execute pitches and command his fastball.

Pearson pitched 3.2 innings in his first minor league start of 2021, striking out eight batters while walking just one. Following a standard five-man rotation, Pearson's next AAA start should be next weekend against Rochester.

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