The Blue Jays have employed Graham Johnson to function bullpen coach, GM Ross Atkins instructed reporters (together with Shi Davidi of Sportsnet). Atkins additionally confirmed the beforehand reported hiring of Lou Iannotti as assistant hitting coach and indicated the crew was wanting so as to add an assistant pitching coach to work alongside Pete Walker.
Johnson joins an MLB employees for the primary time. He had spent the previous couple seasons as pitching coach of the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. Johnson additionally labored within the Houston farm system for 4 years and spent practically a decade as a pitching teacher on the collegiate stage. The Jays reassigned earlier bullpen coach Jeff Ware to a distinct position inside the group on the finish of the season.
Toronto will want a big enchancment from the reduction group subsequent season. The Jays had a 4.82 earned run common from their bullpen. Solely the Rockies had a much less efficient reduction group. Toronto relievers additionally ranked second from the underside with a 20.7% strikeout charge. The Jays lower a trio of relievers after the season, waiving Génesis Cabrera and non-tendering Jordan Romano and Dillon Tate. They’ve but to make any additions. They’ll want to herald a number of relievers to handle a gaggle that’s presently led by Chad Inexperienced and Erik Swanson.
