Blue Jays Underdogs against Astros in Pearson's 2021 Debut

It didn't take Nate Pearson long to earn his spot.

Just a week and one AAA start after Blue Jays Manager Charlie Montoyo said Pearson would have to earn his way back to the big leagues, Toronto's top prospect will return to the MLB rotation.

“We need innings in the bigs right now,” Montoyo told the media Saturday. “It was perfect timing for him for tomorrow, to start, so that was one of the main reasons we’re doing it. So, we’ll feel good about him coming here and starting the game.”

Despite Pearson's 100-mph fastball and top prospect status, the Blue Jays are underdogs against the Astros in the series rubber match this afternoon. Houston will send 37-year-old Zack Greinke to the mound at 2:10 EST, looking for his third win of the season.

Greinke has dominated the current Blue Jays roster in recent memory, holding Toronto hitters to a .236 batting average and .242 OBP. Among active Blue Jays, only Marcus Semien has homered off the former Dodger.

Pearson suffered a groin injury and re-aggravation earlier this season and has made just one minor league start after working at the alternate site in April. Despite pitching just 3.2 innings, Pearson struck out eight and walked only one against the AAA Worcester Red Sox.

Game Odds:

Astros -155

Blue Jays +135

OVER/UNDER 9.0

Prop to Watch:

Greinke O/U 4.5 strikeouts

Seven starts into 2021, Greinke is posting a career-low strikeout rate (6.9 K/9). Greinke has struck out more than five batters in a start just twice this season and the Blue Jays have the ninth fewest team strikeouts per game.

Facing current Blue Jays, however, Greinke has struck Toronto batters out nine times and walked just one in 43 at bats.

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