February 19, 2024
Right-handed pitcher Johnathan Lavallee was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization earlier this month. Lavallee, who will offer some much needed bullpen arm depth within the organization; is excited to be playing baseball again.
“I am most looking forward to the opportunity of playing baseball again,” said Lavallee. “With what happened [last season] and going through getting released [by the Twins]; my identity was taken away from me. With God by my side without me knowing it at the time, he wasn’t taking me out of baseball but refining me and now he has given me that opportunity with the Blue Jays.”
Lavallee, who currently uses a three-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, a slider, and a curveball; talks about his fastball.
“My fastball is one of my most used pitches because of the way my delivery is and how successful my fastball has been in my career,” explained Lavallee. “And then with hitters thinking fastball, I can steal strikes with my off-speed pitches. My fastball plays even better when that happens.”
The righty sees himself as a power pitcher, “I would describe myself as a power pitcher,” Lavallee added. “I rely on my fastball a ton because of the success I have with it – but I can also adjust it, if the hitter starts to guess fastball. I can also go deep into games as a long reliever if I’m asked to as well.”
Transitioning primarily to the bullpen after being drafted in 2021, Lavallee likes his new role.
“I like the continuous opportunities to play that comes with being a reliever,” stated Lavallee. “I do prefer starting because of getting a routine down a lot easier – but with being a reliever you get the opportunity to go in more often.”
Welcome, Johnathan!