Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Jeff Francis is making a strong case for the No. 5 rotation spot on the team. The veteran left-hander has been impressive in spring training, showcasing his experience and skill on the mound.
Francis, who signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays in January, has been turning heads with his performances in Grapefruit League games. In his most recent outing, he pitched four scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing just two hits and striking out three batters.
The 34-year-old pitcher has a wealth of experience in the major leagues, having spent 11 seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees. He has a career record of 72-82 with a 4.97 ERA.
Despite his age, Francis has shown that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. His command of multiple pitches, including a fastball, curveball, and changeup, has kept hitters off balance and allowed him to consistently get outs.
With injuries to other pitchers on the Blue Jays’ roster, Francis has emerged as a strong contender for the No. 5 rotation spot. His veteran presence and ability to eat innings could be valuable for a young and talented pitching staff.
While nothing is set in stone yet, it seems likely that Francis will break camp with the Blue Jays and earn a spot in the starting rotation. If he can continue to pitch well and stay healthy, he could be a key contributor for the team throughout the season. Jays’ fans will be eagerly watching to see if Francis can continue his strong performance and help lead the team to success in 2021.
