October 31, 2017
Photo credit: ASPU Sports Information
Right-handed pitcher Jared Carkuff put up impressive numbers in 2017.
Finishing the year with a 1.17 WHIP, and an opponent batting average of .246 in 63 innings was a promising sign for the righty.
Beginning his year with the Dunedin Blue Jays; Carkuff would later make stops in Vancouver, Lansing, and Buffalo during his campaign.
Loving every stop he made on the year, Carkuff discusses what he liked best about his 2017 season.
“This past season was an incredible experience,” stated Carkuff. “I was able to fill in with Dunedin out of extended spring training, and I learned a lot about myself. Vancouver is a beautiful place, and it was nice going there to experience that unreal atmosphere. Later I joined Lansing and was able to work on things with less pressure. Getting the late call to Buffalo was amazing and a great experience. All of the guys there treated me really well.”
As expected, Carkuff wants to continue finding success at higher levels next season.
Believing better command with all of his pitches will offer him a better chance of achieving that goal; Carkuff talks about his plans for 2018.
“I want to continue to grow every day,” explained Carkuff. “I want to be able to throw any pitch, to any hitter, in any count. I need to get better at throwing my pitches down in the zone with conviction.”
He’ll be working hard at every pitch this off-season. Currently using a mix of a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, a slider, and a changeup in his repertoire; Carkuff has the goods to find continued success with the right development moving forward.
Pitching exclusively as a reliever in pro ball, Carkuff describes what he likes best about his role in the Blue Jays’ system.
“I love relieving, because it’s usually a high pressure moment,” said Carkuff. “I feel I do my best when I’m under pressure. Also you get to come in and blow it out for a short period of time and hand it off to the next guy.”
Most likely remaining a reliever for the foreseeable future, fans of the Toronto Blue Jays will have their eye on Jared Carkuff, as he could answer a bullpen need in upcoming seasons.