Spencer Arrighetti to start for Blue Jays Sunday

Arrighetti gave up one hit, walked two and struck out two. He’s been used as a starter and bulk pitcher, but on Tuesday he entered in the seventh inning after four other Blue Jays relievers. He has a 4.90 ERA. Arrighetti’s move to the bullpen could be permanent with little time remaining in the regular season.

Arrighetti entered with a 5-0 lead to start the fourth after two innings from Spencer Miles and one from Joe Mantiply and then got eight outs while allowing two hits, walking two and striking out two. It’s his first win after four losses to open his Blue Jays career. He was 7-1 for the Astros after two months this season, but he’d been 0-8 with an 8.26 ERA since, which is why he was pitching in relief and not starting today. it’s unclear if he’ll get a start next weekend after the Jays’ off day Thursday.

Arrighetti walked three and gave up two homers that accounted for five of the six runs. He’s allowed 14 earned runs and five homers in 15 2/3 innings over four outings for the Blue Jays. It’s possible he’ll start again next weekend against the Orioles, but the Jays would likely be open to alternatives.

Arrighetti gave up two hits, walked one and struck out two. He fell to 7-8 with the loss. Arrighetti followed two openers, entering the game in the third inning. He has a 6.55 ERA in 11 innings over three appearances since joining the Blue Jays. The fact that Toronto is using Arrighetti as a bulk pitcher rather than a starter isn’t terrible for his fantasy value, but he simply hasn’t pitched well lately. He’s lined up to face the Royals on the road on Sunday.

Spencer Arrighetti will then likely follow for the bulk role. Miles has been solid in an opener role for the Blue Jays, but that role doesn’t provide any fantasy value. Arrighetti has allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings since coming to the Blue Jays and should not be trusted in fantasy today.

Arrighetti also issued a pair of walks in the contest while striking out four. The 26-year-old hurler served up a leadoff homer to Carter Jensen to start the game, then the Royals tacked on an unearned run before the first inning was through. They added another pair in the second on a two-run single by Jac Caglianone. Arrighetti got eight swings and misses on 79 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 27 percent. He’ll carry a 4.81 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and a 95/54 K/BB ratio (95 innings) into Wednesday’s battle against the Guardians in Cleveland.

The 26-year-old hurler had been sidelined since late July due to a nerve issue in his right foot. He’s expected to make his Blue Jays’ debut in a bulk role against the Yankees on Friday evening in New York.

Arrighetti came out of Sunday’s rehab outing fine from a physical standpoint after allowing two runs over 3 2/3 innings for Triple-A Buffalo. The 26-year-old was diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma, a condition that leads to swelling around the nerves, in his right foot earlier this month. There’s a chance he’s ready to make his Blue Jays debut later this week, but that won’t be made official until after his upcoming bullpen session.

Arrighetti is trying to pitch through his foot nerve issue, and he was somewhat successful Sunday even though his velocity was down 1.5-2 mph. He’ll probably make one more rehab start before the Jays consider handing him a rotation spot.

The Blue Jays are hopeful that it’s just a minor setback and that he’ll be able to return to the mound soon, but they want to have the imaging done to be on the safe side. Expect the club to provide another update on his status once that exam is done.