Arjun Nimmala’s path to the big leagues hit a detour last season, but it may have been the best thing for him.

The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2023 first-round pick was placed on the development list and sent to the complex league from Dunedin midseason, a move made to help him take the next step.

Eric Duncan, the organization’s Minor League Field Coordinator, says Nimmala’s progress was the result of a carefully designed plan and collective effort from many of the staff.

“There are a lot of really great people that put a lot of time and effort into developing a plan for him,” said Duncan, in a zoom call, naming a long list that included Craig Perry the hitting coordinator and Nash Knight the rehab hitting coach. 

“Everyone played a role in figuring out where Arjun was, where we wanted him to be, and how to get him there.”

Sending a top prospect down can be a tough decision, but for Nimmala it was a new opportunity. His time at the complex helped rebuild his confidence and his approach at the plate.

The short-term result saw the shortstop return to Dunedin before the season was over. This year he has had a strong spring training with the big club.

In 5 games played, he’s hitting .250 and has a .222 on base percentage in 8 at bats, with a double, a home run, and 4 RBIs. 

“The player is important for this, Arjun is a very special person and player as it takes real ability and real athleticism to make adjustments,” said Duncan. 

“But to be a person that can take a step back, get out of competition for a couple of weeks, and really work at a way to get better in the middle of the season is really hard to do.”

Going down could have been a setback, but Nimmala saw it as a chance to improve. Duncan praised the young shortstop’s willingness to embrace the challenge.

“It was awesome to watch Arjun at such a young age understand, ‘Okay, I’m going to make some adjustments here and I’m going to go after it,” said Duncan. 

“It might not be easy, but I’m going to stay mentally and physically strong and do it.”