The Toronto Blue Jays are off to the worst start in franchise history and sit 3-12 heading into Friday night’s game against the Angels.
One player who has not lived up to expectations so far this season is veteran Jose Bautista. Through 15 games and 55 at-bats, the six-time All-Star is batting .109, has just six hits and one RBI, and has struck out 22 times.
Despite it still being very early into the season, Jays fans are very concerned and have every right to be.
Heading into Friday night’s action, here are three pitchers who are currently out producing him in the batter’s box.
Madison Bumgarner
Madison Bumgarner landed on the DL on Friday afternoon, but not before hitting two home runs in his 8 plate appearances. They were both solo shots, but he still has more home runs and RBI than Bautista has through the first 15 games.
R.A. Dickey
This one comes as a serious blow to Toronto baseball fans, as the former Blue Jays pitcher already has 3 RBI in 8 plate appearances with the Braves this season.
Michael Lorenzen
The Cincinnati Reds pitcher is used late in games, so he only sees about an inning of action if he is called into the game. The 25-year-old only has one hit in his three at-bats this season, but his lone hit happened to be a solo home run.
Honourable Mention
Jesse Winker – Cincinnati Reds LF
The 23-year-old rookie isn't a pitcher like the rest of the players listed above, but he's only been used in relief situations early on in the season. The youngster has only seen two at-bats so far, but has already driven in two runs.
Obviously there's still plenty of baseball left to play, but slumps don’t look good after signing a new multi-million dollar contract.
