The Toronto Blue Jays are still working through how Ricky Tiedemann fits into their pitching plans, and it’s tough to say anything is set in stone right now.
However, he’s closer than he’s ever been.
General manager Ross Atkins made it clear that the organization expects Tiedemann to be part of the mix, even if his role isn’t clear as of now.
“Hopefully he’s a factor for us in our rotation,” Atkins said, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. “That’s the plan, but we would be open to him impacting the team in a bulk role or some creative way, depending on how things are going.”
The addition of Dylan Cease could change things. With Cease locked in long-term, there’s one less rotation spot available, which doesn’t help. That doesn’t mean Tiedemann is blocked, but it means Toronto doesn’t need to rush him or force him into a role he’s not ready for.
At the same time, letting Chris Bassitt walk helps balance that out.
Bassitt is great at eating innings, which is a positive, but his likely departure leaves room for the Blue Jays to be flexible with how they want to use Tiedemann.
For Tiedemann, this feels like a situation that will figure itself out. The talent isn’t the question. We all know what he has.
With Cease in place and Bassitt expected to walk in free agency, the Blue Jays have options.
More Blue Jays news:
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- Insider reveals Blue Jays plan for Bo Bichette if he re-signs in Toronto
- Blue Jays’ Chris Bassitt could still land back in Toronto, according to MLB insider
- Blue Jays, Red Sox among teams that have called Diamondbacks for Ketel Marte
- Red Sox reportedly in the mix for Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette, which might be telling about Alex Bregman’s future
- Blue Jays are favorites for Kyle Tucker, but Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers reportedly in the mix