Blue Jays' Nate Pearson continues to make batters look silly

Jackie Spiegel

Blue Jays' Nate Pearson continues to make batters look silly image

Following up a masterful spring training debut on Tuesday, Blue Jays flamethrower Nate Pearson continued to baffle batters on Sunday.

In two innings of work against the Pirates, the 23-year-old faced a total of six hitters — striking out three, including major leaguers Josh Bell on a 99 mph fastball and Gregory Polanco — and topped out at 100 mph.

Initially slotted to pitch only one inning, Pearson returned to the mound for another turn after throwing 12 pitches in the bottom of the fourth. His second inning of work was even quicker: eight pitches.

Nate Pearson's fourth inning

BATTER OUT
Bryan Reynolds Strikeout looking
Adam Frazier Flew out to left
Josh Bell Strikeout swinging

Nate Pearson's fifth inning

BATTER OUT
Gregory Polanco Strikeout swinging
Colin Moran Flew out to right center
Jacob Stallings Grounded out to third

Toronto's first four starters are pretty much determined at this point with Hyun-Jin Ryu, Tanner Roark, Matt Shoemaker and Chase Anderson penciled in; however, the fifth spot appears to be open, and while there's been talk that Pearson may need some more time in the minors, he's putting on quite a show to sway management's mind. In three innings of work, he's faced nine batters and struck out six.

Jackie Spiegel