The Blue Jays have employed Graham Johnson to function bullpen coach, GM Ross Atkins informed reporters (together with Shi Davidi of Sportsnet). Atkins additionally confirmed the beforehand reported hiring of Lou Iannotti as assistant hitting coach and indicated the group was wanting so as to add an assistant pitching coach to work alongside Pete Walker.
Johnson joins an MLB workers 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 almost a decade as a pitching teacher on the collegiate stage. The Jays reassigned earlier bullpen coach Jeff Ware to a special position inside the group on the finish of the season.
Toronto will want a major enchancment from the aid group subsequent season. The Jays had a 4.82 earned run common from their bullpen. Solely the Rockies had a much less efficient aid group. Toronto relievers additionally ranked second from the underside with a 20.7% strikeout price. The Jays reduce 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 usher in a number of relievers to handle a gaggle that’s at present led by Chad Inexperienced and Erik Swanson.
