Blue Jays Analysis Roundup, Sept 11: Perry's Impact, Rotation Struggles, Trade Fallout

[Jays Centre]

Here is some of the latest Blue Jays analysis from around the internet. Focus is on Nolan Perry's rotation potential, playoff odds vs. Orioles, trade impact, lineup adjustments, rotation struggles, and Kazuma Okamoto's 30-homer milestone.

• Can Blue Jays Top Prospect Help Fill Out Their Rotation? (Just Baseball). Makes the case that Nolan Perry could help fill the Blue Jays' rotation. Perry, recovering from Tommy John, has dominated with a 3.18 ERA, 18 strikeouts, and a filthy curveball, making him a viable option despite pitch count limitations.
• How Blue Jays, Orioles stack up ahead of pivotal series (Sportsnet). Argues the Blue Jays need to beat the Orioles in their remaining games to secure a playoff spot, citing 40% of their schedule against Baltimore and the Orioles' close standings. Key evidence: Orioles' strong pitching and the Jays' struggles against cutters and sinkers.
• Blue Jays Ex-Files: How deadline departures are faring in stretch run (Sportsnet). Argues the Blue Jays' deadline trades have boosted their playoff odds despite mixed results for departed players. Key evidence: their 20-14 run lifted FanGraphs odds to 32%, while Gausman and Varsho struggled, but Hoffman excelled.
• Two Blue Jays who need to play more down the stretch—and two who should play less (Jays Journal). Argues the Blue Jays should play Josh Smith more against right-handed pitchers and Sean Keys over Jéus Sánchez and Brandon Valenzuela, citing Smith’s recent power surge and Keys’ raw power, while cutting Sánchez and Valenzuela due to poor performance and defensive limitations.
• Blue Jays have a starting rotation dilemma in their pursuit of the postseason (Jays Journal). Argues the Blue Jays face a starting rotation dilemma with only three reliable starters, as Arrighetti's poor performance and bullpen strain threaten their postseason chances. Key evidence includes Arrighetti's 8.04 ERA and the team's reliance on four-man bullpen days.
• Blue Jays slugger Kazuma Okamoto becomes fifth Japanese player to hit 30 home runs in a season (Blue Jays Nation). Makes the case Kazuma Okamoto is fifth Japanese player to hit 30+ HRs in a season, joining Matsui, Ohtani, Suzuki, and Murakami. His 30 HR mark highlights his power surge and potential as a key Blue Jays contributor.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'm testing a new feature. A few times a week, I have my home server scripted to search various Blue Jays sources and post some of the best analysis it finds here. Given that this is brand new, I'm sure it needs refinement. If you have suggestions on how to improve this, please share!