The Blue Jays may have found another starting pitcher

Lucas, who appeared in two games for the Blue Jays last season, is slated to start their first Spring Training game against the Yankees on Saturday.

It wasn't previously known that the Blue Jays were considering him as a starter, but with prospect Adam Macko sidelined due to injury, the team has decided to give Lucas an opportunity. Currently, the only other left-handed starter in the mix is Eric Lauer.

While Lucas Lucas only made 14 big-league appearances-all in relief-he does have starting experience in the minor leagues, though he hasn't held a full-time starting role since before the pandemic. He was also a starting pitcher during his time at Pepperdine University.

His major league numbers as a reliever haven't been promising, with a career ERA of 9.82 and a WHIP of 2.18-hardly inspiring confidence for either the player or the team. However, the Blue Jays clearly see something in him worth exploring.

In 2019, his last full season as a starter in the minors, Lucas posted a 3.98 ERA in nine starts for Single-A Batavia while in the Marlins organization.

While he remains a candidate for a bullpen spot-competing with Jacob Barnes, Ryan Burr, Amir Garrett, Tommy Nance, Zach Pop, and Josh Walker-transitioning to a starting role could be his best path to sticking in the majors.

Toronto's game against New York on Saturday airs at 1pm EST on SportsNet.