Top Blue Jays prospect Ricky Tiedemann to miss Saturday start with hamstring tightness

In Dunedin, the Blue Jays’ spring training encountered its first significant setback on Friday, temporarily sidelining one of the camp’s most prominent figures.

Highly regarded prospect Ricky Tiedemann experienced left hamstring discomfort during conditioning exercises, prompting the team to revise plans for his participation in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener. There’s optimism within the team that Tiedemann, a strong left-handed pitcher expected to play a key role in the pitching rotation, hasn’t sustained a severe injury.

Manager John Schneider emphasized that the current approach is precautionary, with further medical assessment pending. While Tiedemann managed to complete his conditioning regimen, the team is proceeding with caution.

According to Schneider, Tiedemann initially noticed the discomfort while participating in drills on Friday at the Jays’ player development complex. Although there’s no definitive timeline for his return, more information will be available in the coming days.

In Tiedemann’s absence, Chad Dallas will take the mound for the pre-season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at TD Ballpark.