"Bastardo was selected in the 2024 Rule 5 draft, but missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Originally signing with the Boston Red Sox, he spent five seasons in their organization, posting a 4.68 ERA and 4.16 FIP in 119.1 innings pitched during the 2023 season. After just 10 starts in 2024, Bastardo required surgery, missing the rest of the year."
"Due to missing the entirety of the 2025 season as well, Bastardo has to spend just 90 days on the Blue Jays 26-man roster to satisfy his Rule 5 eligibility, but that's easier said than done given the competition in the bullpen. He hasn't pitched in a year and a half, and while originally set to represent the Blue Jays in the 2025 Arizona Fall League, he was pulled out before it started."
"His best pitch by far is his changeup, which grades as a 60 according to Fangraphs' 2026 update. His fastball is strong as well, sitting in the mid-90s and touches 97 mph as a starter. Once he gets reps in the bullpen, it's not hard to imagine that velocity ticking up. Control and throwing his slider for strikes are two areas he'll need to work on."
Two or three bullpen spots are in fierce competition, and Tommy Nance, Spencer Miles, and Angel Bastardo must make the Opening Day roster or risk waivers. Bastardo, a 2024 Rule 5 pick, missed 2024–2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery and therefore needs 90 days on the Blue Jays' 26-man roster to satisfy Rule 5 rules. He has not pitched in a year and a half and was withdrawn from the 2025 Arizona Fall League. His best pitch is a changeup graded 60; his fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch 97 mph. Control and slider command require improvement.
Read at BlueJaysNation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]