Ricky Tiedemann’s Role for the Blue Jays Down the Stretch

Ricky Tiedemann would likely have made his MLB debut earlier in the season if he hadn't had injury issues. He's a highly talented left-handed pitcher who throws a mid-90s four-seam fastball with a changeup and sweeper. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2024, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season, and this season he was briefly shut down in February with elbow discomfort and in early July due to neck discomfort. 

The lefty prospect finally made his long-awaited MLB debut on August 15 to provide length in a bullpen game. Tiedemann threw 1 2/3 innings, allowing an earned run on two hits and striking out two. He followed opener Braydon Fisher, and after Tiedemann's outing, he passed the ball off to Simeon Woods Richardson in a game that saw the Jays use seven relievers. It was an important game for the Toronto Blue Jays as it led to their second win in the series against the New York Yankees.

The rookie's MLB experience was short-lived, as he was sent back down to Triple-A Buffalo the next day. Brendon Little took Tiedemann's spot after being reinstated from the paternity list. The move has nothing to do with how the rookie performed. The demotion likely has to do with keeping the injury-prone southpaw's workload down.

Tiedemann only made five minor league appearances after returning on July 25 from his neck injury, with three of those in Triple-A. He also only threw one inning in each outing. So the Blue Jays are protecting a player who has a bright future at the major league level. The team is in a logjam fighting for the last Wild Card berth; six teams are within one game of that final spot. 

With Toronto in a tight battle, Tiedemann's lack of experience could also be a reason to send him down to the minors. They've elected to use relievers who have MLB experience. The players at the bottom of the bullpen depth chart are Matt Waldron, newly acquired Paul Sewald, and Little. Though they've struggled this season, they have tons of experience at the highest level. However, if their struggles continue, Tiedemann will likely return to the big leagues before the regular season ends.  

The Blue Jays know Tiedemann is talented, but they have to be careful not to give him a massive workload right now. He showed in a small sample that he could compete, which leaves open a strong possibility we see him again in the final stretch of the season. He has the skills to make a late-season impact similar to Trey Yesavage last season, but Tiedemann won't be stretched out enough to be a starter. His role will be as a long reliever, but with his sweeper that can miss bats, he'd be a solid option in the middle innings.