Blue Jays' Prospect Arjun Nimmala turning heads at Spring Training.
Photo credit: https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb
In a recent interview with Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Schneider shares his thoughts on Toronto's number one prospect Arjun Nimmala's progress so far this spring. Nimmala himself also shared his experience with Nicholson-Smith on facing MLB pitching for the first time in his first big league camp.
Nimmala had just hit his first home run of the spring, and he waited just out of earshot for his turn to address the media while his manager shared his impressions nearby.
«Really good pace about him, not a whole lot of panic,» Schneider said. «He seems like he kind of fits in a little bit.
And defensively?
«Same as in the box,» Schneider said. «Just a good pace to his game. He doesn't look overwhelmed at all. He had the night game last week in New York and handled himself really well. That's the kind of stuff we look at. The swing is the swing and the arm is the arm, but seeing them in live action is what we're looking at with them coming over. It's been a really good first impression.»
By now, the bus was only 15 minutes or so from leaving, so it was time for Schneider to get changed and Nimmala to answer some questions of his own.
«All yours, my man,» the manager said.
Off the field, he describes himself as «pretty mellow and energetic,» but another word that comes to mind is composed.
Asked about the home run he hit against five-year MLB veteran Yohan Ramirez, his response was notably measured.
«It was definitely a good swing,» Nimmala acknowledged. «Just trying to get a good swing off, get a pitch in the middle, and help the team. And it worked out.»
Last week, Nimmala made his Grapefruit League debut against Gerrit Cole, striking out on three pitches.
But whether the at-bats end in a strikeout or a home run, the approach is similar for Nimmala, a Tampa, Fla., native who hopes to become the first player of Indian descent to play at the MLB level.
«It's like facing any other pitcher,» he said. «Same game plan. Just trying to go up there and help the team and stick to your approach. So, that hasn't been a thought of mine. Just trying to go up there and do what I can best (and) just taking it all in.»
In other words, staying grounded regardless of the opponent.
«That's the name of the game, just staying calm in the moment,» Nimmala said. «So, I'm trying my best to do that.»
Last year was Nimmala first full professional season and he split it between rookie ball and Class A, hitting a combined .232 with 17 home runs and an .807 OPS. In 2025, he's likely to be tested at high A Vancouver at some point, but he's still a ways off from the major leagues.
«He's got every tool that he needs to be a big-league player,» Bichette said. «I'm excited to see what he can do.»
Of course, it's what Nimmala can observe about the likes of Bichette that's even more important.
When he was younger, Nimmala would just go out and play, but he's gradually gaining an understanding of all the preparation and recovery work big-leaguers do to keep themselves sharp.
«I think all that matters,» Nimmala said. «And that's why they're the best. And that's what I hope to be one day. And those are the things I'm taking away from them.»
«They're there for a reason and they're doing what I want to do at the best possible stage,» he continued. «So, they're all preparing and they're all eating the right way. They're doing everything right. And I've got to do the same thing. Everyone's got to do the same thing if you want to be like that.»
Without loud tools, Nimmala would never have been drafted 20th overall. But he has further ambitions in mind, and his eagerness to continue learning from those around him has a chance to take him even further.
«I think everyone has big goals,» he said. «You want to put up good numbers, of course. But I think ultimately it's to help the team win and keep winning. I think if I prepare the right way and do my best to help the team win, the numbers are going to look great.»
With that, it was time for Nimmala to hurry back into the clubhouse and get changed. The team bus was about to leave whether he was on it or not.
SOURCE: Sportsnet
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