Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays' right-hander, showcased his potential during his season debut against the Washington Nationals, holding a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing two home runs. Despite a rough start to last season, where he lost his job after just two starts, Francis bounced back impressively at the end of the season, posting a 1.53 ERA over his last two months. The Jays' management hopes his recent form can be replicated to solidify their rotation.

The analytics surrounding Francis's performance are mixed, with projections suggesting an ERA around 4.33 for the season. However, his opening game performance inspires hope for a more productive season. As the Jays look for consistency from Francis, he aims to confirm his place in the rotation, proving that his prior success wasn't merely a fluke. With an aging rotation and limited depth, his ability to eat innings will be crucial for the Jays' overall performance.