BOWDEN FRANCIS NAMED AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH
Bowden Francis’ incredible performance in August was recognized on Tuesday as Major League Baseball announced that the right-hander had been named American League Pitcher of the Month.
The Blue Jays moved Francis into the starting rotation after Yusei Kikuchi was traded to the Houston Astros in late July and the right-hander has looked like a completely different pitcher.
The 28-year-old came into August with a 5.68 ERA across 17 appearances as a swingman over the first four months of the season. He posted an incredible 1.06 ERA over five starts in August and lowered his ERA on the season to 3.66 in the process.
Francis had a no-decision in his first start of the month against the Baltimore Orioles but he was untouchable in four consecutive wins after that. He held the Los Angeles Angels to just one hit, a solo homer, over seven innings of work and then shut the Chicago Cubs out over seven innings in his next start.
The Blue Jays faced the Angels again and Francis was even better in his second outing against them, as he carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning. The good times continued into Boston for Francis with seven shutout innings against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
This run has been significant for Francis and his pursuit of a permanent role in Toronto’s rotation. The team has Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt pencilled in as three of their five starters for 2025 with Francis, Yariel Rodriguez, and Jake Bloss among the internal options to fill out the rest of the rotation. Alek Manoah, who underwent Tommy John surgery this year, is expected to be in the mix when he’s healthy, as well.
If the Blue Jays believe that Francis can be an effective fourth or fifth starter at the Major League level, the team might not have to focus on adding another rotation arm in the off-season. They could instead prioritize finding a much-needed power bat for the middle of their lineup and adding depth to a bullpen that has struggled mightily this season.
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2024-09-03T20:35:13Z dg43tfdfdgfd