Key Contributions Anticipated from Versatile Blue Jays Reliever

With Toronto Blue Jays’ Erik Swanson sidelined with an elbow injury, Nick Sandlin’s bullpen role could signal priority for Opening Day. Swanson has been diagnosed with a median nerve entrapment. The latest update is that he received a cortisone shot. Following this, he will not be allowed to throw for the next few days. This is so the shot can take effect. While his timetable for return is still unknown, it is becoming apparent that he could start the season on the injured list.

This is unfortunate for the 31-year-old veteran who was looking to start the season on a high note. But the good news is that the injury doesn’t appear to be severe. His MRI luckily showcased no signs of structural damage. In addition, this paves an opportunity for offseason pickup Sandlin to play a larger role in the bullpen. Sandlin was acquired along with Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians’ offseason trade. The Blue Jays traded Spencer Horwitz to acquire Sandlin and Giménez, who currently resides with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Blue Jays signed Sandlin to a one-year, $1.63 million deal.

The Impact Sandlin Provides for the Blue Jays Bullpen

The 28-year-old sported an impressive 8-0 record, along with a 3.75 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 57.2 innings pitched last season for the Guardians. In his most recent outing, where the Blue Jays defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-2, Sandlin recorded two strikeouts, a walk, two hits, and one earned run across one inning. So far in camp, he’s sported a 1-0 record with a 4.50 ERA, six strikeouts, and a 1.75 WHIP. When it comes to Sandlin, he has showcased swing and miss upside.

In addition, he has the potential to be a huge weapon if he can focus on getting closer to the zone. His appealing low release point was good enough to rank as seventh lowest compared to all qualified pitchers’ last season. Sandlin made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Guardians. When he settled with the Guardians, it didn’t take him long to earn respect as a noteworthy part of their pen. With Sandlin possibly getting the chance to play a more distinct role in the bullpen, this is where he can work on developing his pitching repertoire. He presents himself as a reliever who has the potential to expand his horizons by fine-tuning his pitches.

Sidearmer Sandlin’s Upside Value

The early success that Sandlin has gained in his career makes him a valuable asset in his established bullpen role. He comes equipped with a unique pitching style. His sidearm pitching delivery is versatile as it represents an eccentric arm angle. His unorthodox style makes it hard for hitters to read his pitches. In addition, his slider and splitter combine well with each other. His slider possesses a high spin rate, and in combination with his splitter, it combines for lethal action. Overall, it leaves opponents off-balanced at the plate, making it a challenge for them to sustain offense.

Sandlin can generate a significant amount of swings and misses with his solid strikeout rate, which also produces a high number of whiffs. He has the golden chance to be a strong contributor to the Blue Jays’ bullpen this season with his unconventional style that fortifies an effective pitching style. Sandlin also dominates on the mound by preventing inherited runners from scoring. Overall, he retains many successful qualities as a reliever that would make up for the loss of Erik Swanson if he does happen to miss significant time.

According to Baseball Savant, Sandlin recorded a 33.7 % whiff rate and a 27.6 % strikeout rate. Sandlin is also a skillful high-leverage reliever and has a strong capability to perform well in high-pressure circumstances. This will come in handy for the Blue Jays, who will benefit from having another high-stakes type reliever. This is to revamp their 4.82 bullpen ERA from last season, where they ranked last in the American League. This season, the Blue Jays have a more solidified bullpen with Jeff Hoffman, Yimi Garcia, and Yariel Rodriguez, who is likely to transition to a bullpen role where he is better suited.