Around The Nest: Turning The Corner

Artificial Turf Wars

Around The Nest is the Blue Jays’ minor league podcast where the broadcasters from single-A all the way up to triple-A get together to talk about the performances of Blue Jays minor leaguers in the past two weeks.

Pat Malacaro (AAA Buffalo Bisons) reported on his team’s tough run of injuries, Nathan Lukes is doing everything well, Riley Tirotta’s parents’ special souvenir, and Yariel Rodríguez’s rehab stint so far. Pat also provides an important update on Payton Henry’s recovery: after being struck in the head by a backswing a week ago, he was able to see his teammates in the clubhouse on Thursday.

Chris Jared (AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats) sees a starting rotation that’s coming into its own, with Adam Macko leading with Michael Dominguez and Devereaux Harrison following closely behind. Eric Pardinho, who has had ups-and-downs on prospect status, is certainly on an upswing having not given up an earned run since late April. On the hitting side, Garret Spain has been slugging homers, Devonte Brown has been very even keeled, and Josh Kasevich’s quick adaptability going up to double-A has surprised the Blue Jays organization.

Chris Georges and host Tyler Zickel (high-A Vancouver Canadians) spoke about the C’s impressive starting pitching the last couple of weeks, highlighting Chris McElvain’s solid performance of late. They think Dasan Brown is close to a callup to New Hampshire, having found a grove and starting to take a lot of walks. They also shine a spotlight in leverage relievers Josh Mollerus and Anders Tolhurst.

The Dunedin Blue Jays lead single-A teams with 40 team homers, Larry Larson (low-A Dunedin) tells us, led by Cristian Feliz, a three true outcomes first baseman who also happens to be a very friendly dude. Juaron “Whiffs” Watts-Brown has been very comfortable at this level; he had issues getting deep into games earlier this season due to walks, but has those in control and is now just striking out batters. Manuel Beltre’s bat looks to be turning the corner and JJ Sanchez has been very effective for Dunedin as a hard-throwing lefty closer.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices