Today saw a flurry of moves made official in the middle to bottom tiers of the organization:
RHP Sem Robberse – Vancouver to New Hampshire
To be honest, I felt like this one was overdue, but given how Sem has pitched in June and July (4.76 ERA), I wasn’t so sure.
Robberse spent time at the pitching lab over the all star break, and while he had a couple of bumpy outings after his return, he’s been solid in his two August starts, and the organization obviously thought it was time.
Robberse uses a four-pitch mix to keep hitters off balance. His 47% GB rate was third in the Northwest League (where he also was the most economical in pitches/AB), and is best in the organization.
This is a challenging assignment for the Dutchman, who won’t turn 21 until October.
RHP Dahian Santos – Dunedin to Vancouver
Luckily for C’s fans, Santos should likely step into Robberse’s spot in the rotation, as Vancouver tries to stay in the second half playoff hunt.
The undersized (5’11”/160) Santos has fanned a ridiculous 120 FSL hitters in 73 IP, mostly with a mid 90s fastball and a high spin rate slider that is among the best in the system. His 18% SWStr rate leads the organization.
Santos will likely continue in a starting role as he tries to develop a third pitch. His floor is that of a back end of the bullpen guy on the strength of his two primary pitches alone.
LHP Jimmy Robbins – Vancouver to New Hampshire
The southpaw Robbins from Rollins (a D2 Florida school) has made possibly the most progress of any pitcher in the system.
He throws a four-pitch mix of a four seamer, cutter, change up, and slider. As the season has progressed, he’s improved his ability to throw his breaking pitches for strikes, and his four seam up in the zone to get chases.
Originally drafted in 2019 in the 20th round, Robbins missed two seasons due to the pandemic and a torn UCL. He made his way back to pitching this spring, and has made his way now through three levels.
Robbins does not light up the radar gun, sitting 93-94, but he uses sequencing and command of his repertoire to miss bats (12.3K/9). Because he offers a different look from the left side, he may be in Toronto early next season. Robbins is also 24, and the org would like to see what he has at this higher level.
Update: Robbins makes his AA debut on Sunday. The Blue Jays say he will remain in a starter’s role for now. The key for him will be to continue to hold his stuff and throw strikes throughout his outings.
RHP Irv Carter – Florida Complex League to Dunedin
Carter’s move is easily the shortest (in terms of travel) of all of today’s promotions, but his is easily one of the most anticipated.
Widely regarded as a 5th round steal last year, we had to wait until June for Carter’s pro debut. And his first two months were rocky (8.37 ERA at the end of July). But ten innings of shutout, two-hit ball over his last two starts were enough to convince the farm department to move him up.
Carter makes his FSL debut tonight, and it will be interesting to see what his numbers are like.
RHP Sam Ryan – Dunedin to Vancouver
Ryan was activated on a rehab assignment to Dunedin on June 12, after missing almost a year (likely Tommy John, but I can’t find confirmation). He checked enough boxes in rehab to warrant a move up the ladder.
Ryan was part of the combined no-hitter by Dunedin on Sunday, and should bolster the Vancouver bullpen. He returns to the C’s after having started with them last season.
