Tiedemann struggles with command, pulled in third inning of third double-A start

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Tiedemann throws in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fla. (AP)

After two great starts to open the 2023 MiLB season, Toronto Blue Jays‘ top prospect Ricky Tiedemann ran into some trouble during Tuesday’s game against Colorado Rockies’ double-A affiliate, the Hartford Yard Goats.

The 20-year-old lefty reached his pitch count after recording one out in the third inning. He departed with the bases loaded, and reliever Sean Mellen allowed all three runners to score, ballooning Tiedemann’s line for the night to four earned runs, three hits and four walks allowed while striking out five.

Tiedemann threw 58 pitches, 35 of them for strikes, generating eight swings and misses in the game.

Despite the ugly third inning, MLB.com’s number 29 prospect did pitch two scoreless frames to open the night, including a 10-pitch, three-strikeout second. He also flashed an ability to hold runners, picking off Rockies’ number two prospect Zac Veen in the first inning.

By allowing four earned and issuing four free passes, Tiedemann matched his professional career highs in both stats.

For the season, Tiedemann now has a 5.00 ERA over nine innings pitched with 20 strikeouts and six walks.

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