Zach Stewart shining in his major league debut. Stewart threw seven solid innings of two run ball and struck out four while needing only 85 pitches to do so. His location was fantastic all game long and there was not one point in the game where he was not in control or looked as if me might unravel. Unfortunately the Jays offense was not able to deliver him the run support he needed to get a much deserved victory but it was a positive debut nonetheless. I don't want to make too much of one game but Stewart is a highly touted Jays prospect and is known for very good control, which he displayed yesterday. After seeing Drabek and Cecil disappoint this season the Blue Jays are hoping Stewart can step up and help contribute to the AL's second worse starting staff by ERA. For the last five years it seems as if one young pitcher has come up midway through the season and delivered strong results. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Stewart is this year's breakout pitcher for the Jays and if he is able to keep his control he could be quite an effective pitcher who can induce lots of ground balls and eat up innings. If he is successful let's hope he'll avoid regressing or getting injured like Jays pitchers have done in past seasons after strong rookie campaigns, which has proven to be the biggest hurdle for Jays pitchers in recent years. Jesse Litsch, Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan and Brett Cecil come to mind. To be honest, Ricky Romero has been the only Jay to avoid sophomore jinxes or injuries in the last decade, but what else would you expect from one of the best pitchers in the game!?!?
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