Pearson Suffers Loss in 2021 Jays Debut

With the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching depth already heavily tested to start the 2021 season, #1 prospect Nate Pearson made his much-anticipated season debut on Sunday against the Houston Astros. He suffered from control issues, allowing three runs on three hits with zero strikeouts in 2.1 innings, handing out five free passes to Astros batters. The big blow against Pearson came on Kyle Tucker‘s RBI triple in the 3rd inning. Tucker would finish the day 2-for-3 with four RBI thanks to a three-run homer against Anthony Kay in the 4th inning, leading Houston to a 7-4 victory (box score).

After the game, Jays manager Charlie Montoyo attributed Pearson’s struggles to an inability to find his release point.

"Today, he wasn't what we expected – He couldn't find his release point."

Charlie Montoyo discusses Nate Pearson's Sunday performance against the Astros and why he isn't worried about the struggles he faced. pic.twitter.com/PMg9nwWjcT

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 9, 2021

This was a disappointing outing for the fireballer who struck out five Tampa Bay hitters over two innings during Game 2 of Tampa’s 2020 Wild Card Series sweep of the Jays.

Toronto’s loss of the finale in Houston secured a series victory for the Ass-tros. The cheaters are at the beginning of a lengthy homestand that will keep them safe from road fans’ taunting until May 18th.

The Blue Jays next head to Truist Park in Atlanta for three games against the Georgia squad, who are 5-5 over their last ten games. Robbie Ray (1-1, 3.14 ERA) and his astonishingly tight uniform pants will face an Atlanta pitcher TBD on Tuesday night at 7:20 PM ET.

Featured Image: Sign of Blue Jays at store in Eaton Centre, Toronto by Lester Balajadia / Shutterstock.com.