Jays helper a safety net

Jay’s helper: “a safety net”

TORONTO — Despite what has been a rather difficult August for his team so far, Blue Jays manager John Schneider is pleased to have several reliable pitchers to relieve.

• Also read: MLB: Orioles can spoil the party

“We’ve asked them a lot lately and they followed the call,” Schneider said of his helpers. It’s really good to know that we have this safety net. You are fantastic.”

Of course, Jordan Romano, who has 26 saves, is often the one who receives the flowers in Toronto. But of course it takes a few others before him to set the table. Especially when the starters don’t do the job…

Right-handers Anthony Bass and Trevor Richards have been particularly effective for the Jays since the beginning of the month. In five appearances on the mound, “Richie” gave up a single deserved run and appears set to make up for a less than impressive start to the campaign.

In the case of Bass, remember that the Jays acquired him from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, August 2 during the trade deadline. He’s done his job well since then, giving up just one run in five and two-thirds of an innings, for a total of six appearances (before Monday night’s game).

Eight wins for Cimber

Ontario’s Zach Pop, also acquired by the Marlins at the same time as Bass, is a little less visible but had given his opponent nothing since arriving in Toronto. It adds depth.

When Schneider praises his relievers, he’s surely thinking of Adam Cimber and David Phelps, who have been the Jays’ top picks since the start of the season.

Cimber also has a staggering 8-4 record with four wins received. Only one Jays starter has more winnings than his tally, Alek Manoah (12-5). The latter will also enter the hill on Tuesday evening to face the orioles. His counterpart will be Dean Kremer.

Left-handed soon?

Among the injured, helper Tim Mayza, who sustained a dislocated right shoulder at a Play at Home Plate earlier this month, could return before the end of August. His presence will be more than

welcome as he is too rare a left-hander in the Blue Jays roster.

“We’ll have to wait and see how he feels soon,” said Schneider. The good news is that it’s not his shoulder that he’s throwing with.”