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A cubist interpretation of a struggling relief pitcher’s delivery, reflecting the complex challenges facing the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen.Chicago Today
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Brendon Little is off to a concerning start in 2026, allowing seven earned runs in his first two appearances. Little, a former first-round pick by the Chicago Cubs, had a strong 2025 campaign but struggled in the postseason. With the Blue Jays needing fresh arms after an injury to starter Cody Ponce, the team may consider sending Little to the minors to work through his issues.
Why it matters
The Blue Jays’ bullpen has been a strength in recent years, but Little’s early struggles could force the team to make a difficult roster decision. As a left-handed reliever, Little provides valuable depth, but his performance will need to improve if he wants to maintain his spot on the major league roster.
The details
In his first outing of the season, Little entered a 2-1 game against the Athletics with two runners on base. He struck out one batter but then allowed a run-scoring single and a grand slam, putting the game out of reach. In his second appearance, against the Rockies, Little recorded one out but then gave up four runs on three hits and a walk before being removed from the game.
On March 30, 2026, Little had a disastrous outing against the Colorado Rockies, allowing four runs without recording an out.In his first appearance of the 2026 season, on March 28, Little entered a close game against the Athletics and gave up a grand slam.
The players
Brendon Little
A left-handed reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays who was a first-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Little had a strong 2025 season but has struggled early in 2026.
Cody Ponce
A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who suffered an injury in the third inning of a recent game, forcing the team to rely more heavily on its bullpen.
Mitch Bannon
A reporter for The Athletic who suggested the Blue Jays may consider sending Little to the minors to work through his issues.
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What they’re saying
“He has an option, and the #BlueJays are going to need fresh arms after this. Perhaps time to give him a stint in AAA to figure this out, and get back to that old form.”
— Mitch Bannon, Reporter
What’s next
The Blue Jays will need to decide whether to keep Little on the major league roster or send him to the minors to work on his issues. This decision will likely depend on the team’s overall pitching situation and whether they believe Little can regain his 2025 form.
The takeaway
Brendon Little’s early struggles in 2026 highlight the delicate balance teams must strike between developing young talent and maintaining a competitive major league roster. The Blue Jays will need to carefully evaluate their options to ensure they have the best possible bullpen to support their postseason aspirations.