Atkins: Trade Market, Nate Pearson, and Other Press Conference Notes
The Toronto Blue Jays are buyers.
General Manager Ross Atkins made it clear the Blue Jays have "shifted towards the winning cycle," and will be looking to improve their major league team at the MLB Trade Deadline just 10 days away.
The team's obvious priority remains run prevention, said Atkins, but true priorities are dictated by prices. The Blue Jays organization is looking at all ways to improve the club, Atkins said, including being open-minded about moving current major leaguers. The Blue Jays have been connected to starters like Kyle Gibson and Jose Berrios, but the SP market is one of the thinner points heading into the trade deadline.
“The market is not clearly defined yet," Atkins said. "I think there’s still more to learn.”
The Blue Jays GM addressed the deadline, injury updates, and the organization's return to Toronto during his Tuesday media availability:
Move to Toronto Could be a Shot in the Arm
Ross Atkins learned the Blue Jays would be returning to Toronto minutes before Friday's ballgame. He didn't make any formal announcements, not wanting to disrupt any pregame routines, but he confirmed the rumors to anyone who asked.
The Blue Jays will play in a home stadium built for Major League Baseball and specifically equipped for the preparation and requirements of MLB players, for the first time in over 650 days. It is a stadium staff and many players are comfortable in, and a return home could boost the entire organization in the season's final months.
“It has been a massive jolt of positive energy throughout the entire organization," Atkins said. "Not just the clubhouse.”
Nate Pearson Injury Update: "A Huge Relief"
After over four medical opinions and weeks of uncertainty, Nate Pearson and the Blue Jays finally understand the pitcher's injury situation. Atkins described Person's diagnosis with a sports hernia as a "huge relief" to finally have clarity and be able to move forward.
Pearson is throwing and will move to live bullpen sessions in the next week, Atkins said, and is working towards coming back as a full-time reliever for the remainder of 2021. While Atkins did confirm the long-term plan with Pearson is still starting pitching, he could make an impact out of the MLB bullpen if he works back effective and healthy. Pearson made two total relief appearances last season (across the regular season and playoffs) and logged 3.2 innings out of the pen with seven strikeouts and just one hit allowed.
The sports hernia is something the team can "manage in the short term conservatively," but may require a procedure in the future.
Corey Dickerson Nearing Game Action
Adam Cimber has been a welcome addition to the Blue Jays bullpen — yet to allow a run in 5.2 innings pitched — but the other half of Toronto's haul from the Marlins has yet to play in a game at any level.
Left-handed outfielder Corey Dickerson hit live pitching and took part in on-field activities for the Blue Jays Monday, taking the latest step in recovery from a left foot contusion. Dickerson recovered well from the activity today, Atkins said, and is moving towards a rehab assignment.
Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon