March 29, 2023

By Yannis Economopoulos

Centennial Sports Journalism

DUNEDIN, Fla. – After spending the entire 2022 season on the injured list, Toronto Blue Jays prospect CJ Van Eyk has made his return to the mound.

Towards the end of 2021, he required Tommy John ligament surgery on the elbow which resulted in a 17-month recovery process thus far.

Last week, Van Eyk made his first appearance of the spring, pitching well in one inning. Now onto the tail end of rehab, he is heading into the upcoming campaign ready to put the injury challenges behind him.

“It’s been tough mentally,” the Tampa, Fla., native said, at the Blue Jays’ training facility. “I’ve had a few setbacks here and there but that’s part of it. Nobody’s arm is going to be perfect.”

As a freshman for the Florida State University Seminoles, Van Eyk was undefeated at 7-0, which was the most wins by an FSU pitcher since Kevin Lynch’s 12 in 2005.

“I didn’t know that, but that’s pretty cool,” the pitcher said. “Just to be on a list where you’re competing for number one is awesome.”

Before playing three college seasons to help improve his game, Van Eyk was a 19th-round pick by the New York Mets in 2017. Once he finished at FSU, Toronto selected him in the second-round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

“Going to college and facing better competition is advice I would give to all young guys,” the righty said. “Out of high school, just go to college and you’ll get better. If you’re better, it’ll show, and you’ll get what you deserve out of it.”

With the 2023 season right around the corner; the former No. 8 Blue Jay prospect has certain goals set for himself this year.

“I want to be in the strike zone a little more. Pitch with the chip on my shoulder that I had back then (at FSU) and go chase something and get as high as I can,” said Van Eyk.

He is expected to begin the season in High-A with the Vancouver Canadians when ready to go.