Hard-throwing Pearson one of many talented young Blue Jays

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays already have an intriguing young lineup with Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio hoping to build off promising 2019 seasons.

A hard-throwing pitching prospect could be joining them in the big leagues soon.

Right-hander Nate Pearson had a dominant spring debut for the Blue Jays on Tuesday, striking out the side in a one-inning start. The 23-year-old was Toronto's first-round draft pick in 2017 and had a breakout season in 2019, striking out 119 batters over 101 2/3 innings and getting promoted from Single-A to Triple-A by the end of the year.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Pearson has the upside of a future ace and has a shot to earn a spot in the Blue Jays' opening day rotation alongside newly acquired Hyun-Jin Ryu, who signed an $80 million, four-year deal in the offseason. But even if Toronto decides he needs more experience in the minors, there's little doubt he's a big part of their future plans.

Other players who are off to a good start in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues:

NEW YORK YANKEES, RHP JONATHAN LOAISIGA

It's been a rough start to the spring for the Yankees, who are already dealing with multiple injuries. Now that Luis Severino is out for the year and James Paxton will miss extended time, the starting rotation needs a few younger pitchers to emerge.

One intriguing possibility is the 25-year-old Jonathan Loaisiga. The hard-throwing right-hander has spent parts of the past two seasons in the big leagues and finished with a 2-2 record, 4.55 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings in 2019. He pitched a scoreless inning in his spring debut Sunday.

TAMPA BAY RAYS, OF RANDY AROZARENA

The speedy Arozarena was acquired by the Rays in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason. The...

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