April 27, 2026
Right-handed pitcher Chase Lee made his Toronto Blue Jays’ debut today pitching 1 1/3 innings against the Boston Red Sox.
The righty was called up earlier today after a solid start to his 2026 season with Triple-A Buffalo.
Pitching 13 2/3 innings for Buffalo; Lee had 12 K’s, an ERA of 1.32, and a WHIP of 1.46.
Working out of a major league bullpen isn’t anything new for Lee who pitched 37 1/3 inning for the Detroit Tigers a year ago.
His early season focus was figuring out what worked and what didn’t in the majors.
“I was just trying to figure out what made me good and what made me struggle in the majors,” explained Lee. “I’ve been addressing those things and I’m ready to take another step forward.”
Since Lee joined the organization, he has been adjusting his pitch grips during his bullpens.
“My bullpens are helpful,” said Lee. “We’ve changed a few grips and we’re continuing to work on things.”
“I’ve mostly adjusted my sinker grip,” Lee added. “We’re adding a little more depth to it. I think it’s adjusting well.”
The righty also features a 4-seam fastball, a slider, and a changeup in his repertoire.
Lee talks about how he works off his sinker, “Everything just fits in, whether I’m trying to go up or down, or in and out,” explained Lee. “Everything just plays off each other to help setup another pitch.”
The reliever doesn’t really tunnel pitches, instead he focuses more on angles and shapes.
“Instead of tunneling, I think more about stuff like creating different shapes and angles,” said Lee. “That makes the hitters decide earlier more so than tunneling.”
Speaking of hitters, they’re all challenging in Lee’s eyes.
“I just try to be different,” stated Lee. “At this level you don’t get to pick your hitters, they’re all really good.”
Welcome back to the majors, Chase Lee!