Richard Dean
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:34 am GMT
Blue Jays’ Bullpen Troubles Deepen as Chad Green Struggles to Close Games
In a turbulent turn of events for the Toronto Blue Jays, closer Chad Green has recorded his third consecutive blown save, culminating in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. This defeat not only disappointed fans but also underscored the mounting challenges facing the Blue Jays’ bullpen as they fight to maintain a competitive edge in the league.
Chad Green’s Rollercoaster Performance
The Recent Struggles
Chad Green, who had earlier established himself as one of the most reliable relievers for the Blue Jays this season, has faced significant setbacks in recent outings. After a promising start to the season, where he maintained a 1.61 ERA and boasted 16 saves, Green’s performance has deteriorated drastically. In just 2 2/3 innings over the last week, he has allowed seven runs and given up two home runs, which has ballooned his ERA to 2.85.
Sunday’s Disappointment
The most recent loss in Atlanta showcased the blistering reality of Green’s current form. He entered the game looking to protect a narrow one-run lead, but allowed a series of hits that culminated in a sacrifice fly and, ultimately, the walk-off run. Green’s inability to throw strikes and manage hard contact led to the Jays squandering a chance to take the series against a competitive Braves team.
Warning Signs Ignored
Despite his early success, there were signs that Green’s performance was more luck than skill. His fielding independent pitching (FIP) stood at 4.45, indicating he was often escaping serious trouble. Coupled with an alarming 48% hard-hit ball percentage, questions loomed about how sustainable his success could be. The brutal truth came to light as opponents began making solid contact against him, leading to this recent decline.
Broader Issues in the Blue Jays Bullpen
Context of the Struggles
The issues with Green are not isolated. The Blue Jays currently find themselves grappling with the third-highest bullpen ERA in Major League Baseball at 4.79. This statistic raises grave concerns about the depth and effectiveness of their relief pitchers, especially with closer Jordan Romano sidelined for the season due to an elbow injury.
Looking Ahead
- Toronto will be returning home soon, facing the New York Mets, who are vying for the final National League wild-card spot.
- The series will also be marked by the return of former Toronto manager John Gibbons, now serving as the Mets’ bench coach.
Future Implications for Green
Chad Green, set to earn $10.5 million in the final year of his contract, remains a pivotal figure for the Blue Jays. The organization has pinned its hopes on him as they prepare to build a more robust bullpen for the upcoming season. However, with his recent performance raising red flags, the pressure is on for Green to regain his form soon. If Green can bounce back, he would significantly strengthen a bullpen that desperately needs stability.
Franchise History of Disappointment
This season has been particularly frustrating for the Blue Jays, who found themselves on track to miss the playoffs after experiencing success in previous years. Recently, the team faced an embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, where they squandered a six-run lead. This was one of the worst collapses in franchise history and further highlighted the issues plaguing the bullpen.
Significant Losses This Season
Notable defeats, especially ones that saw the Blue Jays relinquishing large leads, have sparked concern among fanbases and analysts alike. These patterns not only erode morale within the team but also raise questions about the long-term strategies employed by management.
The Road Ahead for the Blue Jays
Immediate Challenges
As the Blue Jays head into their next series against the Mets, they must regroup quickly. Key players like Green need to reassure fans and management that they can step up in high-pressure situations. The organization will be closely watching for improvement in Green’s performance, especially as they look forward to the off-season and the possibility of negating their current bullpen issues.
Looking Beyond 2023
With only a few more months left in the season, the Blue Jays are staring down a tough conclusion and a need for reflection as they contemplate off-season moves. Retaining players like Chad Green could hinge on his ability to perform under pressure, and management will likely make their decisions based on his next few outings.
For more detailed analysis on the Blue Jays and their season struggles, visit the Toronto Star.
The Blue Jays are working hard to turn their season around, and both fans and players are feeling hopeful. If Green plays really well, it might help the team get back on track as they head into the playoffs and beyond.
