Where does Blue Jays Ricky Tiedemann rank in Prospects Live’s latest top 100 update?

While the second half of the 2023 campaign is underway, Perspectives live have released their top 100 mid-season candidates. It wasn’t particularly encouraging from the Blue Jays’ perspective, with only one representative on the list.

The player is Ricky Tiedemann, who finished 23rd. The Blue Jays are pinning high hopes on their high-profile candidate, who has real potential to be the number two starter in the majors.

Perspectives liveTiedemann’s ranking is certainly more encouraging than MLB.com, which currently sees him at No. 31. (As a reminder, MLB.com also only has one Blue Jays contender in its top 100.)

As with most analyses, Perspectives live rave about the 20-year-old’s fastball, which can reach 99 miles per hour. However, his move is not far behind his second pitch and may reach the mid-80s.

The Blue Jays have placed great emphasis on patience with Tiedemann, who has been outstanding in spring training. However, some of that patience was actually required due to durability issues.

In this respect, the southpaw was briefly taken out of action in spring training due to shoulder pain. Most recently, he suffered an inflammation of his left biceps, which has put him out of action since the beginning of May.

That was frustrating for everyone involved after Tiedemann looked promising in four starts for Double-A New Hampshire – albeit still in development. His pace was particularly impressive, as evidenced by 23 strikeouts in 12.2 combined innings.

While one could argue that even before the recent injury, it was too early for a promotion to the Triple-A, Blue Jays manager John Schneider is extremely confident in his young pitcher. As reported by Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun After Tiedemann’s first start of the season, Schneider said:

“I don’t know what else he has to do in Double A. He’s an impressive guy. For a young kid, he’s so grounded in his routine and what he’s trying to do.”

With concerns about Tiedemann’s health, the good news is that he is expected to return to action in early August. He’s looked strong during live batting practice, although the Blue Jays are understandably wary.

Prior to this season, the 2021 third-round draft pick was thought to be ready for the major leagues sometime in 2024. Whether this remains so will understandably depend on his continued health, but he remains a valuable and promising part of the Blues Jays’ future.