The Blue Jays announced that they’ve signed right-hander Lucas Harrell to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Harrell is represented by Frontline.
[Related: Updated Toronto Blue Jays Depth Chart]
The 31-year-old Harrell returned to the Majors in 2016 after spending the 2015 season with the LG Twins of the Korea Baseball Organization. Last year, after inking a minor league contract with Atlanta, Harrell reemerged in the Majors and tossed 47 innings of 4.21 ERA ball with 6.9 K/9, 4.8 BB/9 and a 44.3 percent ground-ball rate in nine starts between the Braves and Rangers.
Harrell’s best season came with the 2012 Astros, when he hurled 193 2/3 innings of 3.76 ERA ball and averaged 6.5 K/9 against 3.6 BB/9 to go along with a sensational 57.2 percent ground-ball rate. He’s lost about a mile on his fastball since that time, however, and his ground-ball tendencies last season were clearly diminished.
Toronto’s rotation is largely set (barring any spring injuries), with Aaron Sanchez, Marcus Stroman, J.A. Happ, Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano tabbed to comprise manager John Gibbons’ starting five. Harrell, though, could compete for a multi-inning relief role in a currently murky bullpen picture. Beyond closer Roberto Osuna, sophomore Joe Biagini and veteran Jason Grilli, there’s little certainty among the Blue Jays’ relief corps. Alternatively, Harrell could head to Triple-A to open the season, where he could function as a reserve for the big league rotation. Estrada, after all, pitched much of the 2016 season with a herniated disk in his back, and injuries to a starting staff are virtually inevitable over the course of a Major League season.
6th starter
FTFY: 16th starter
Hopefully Conor Greene or Sean Reid-Filley emerges as our 6th starter.
Maybe bullpen depth since our Bullpen is probably the worst in the AL as it currently stands.
Much needed depth.
may the baseball gods help us if we see him in tdot next year
As an off topic, Sean Rodriguez of the Braves and his family were involved in a car crash that hospitalized the player’s wife and children.
Already a topic on that from earlier today. Hopefully everyone pulls through.
I read the officer was inside restaurant checking on a suspicious package so I wonder how he stole the car ? My guess was keys were left in it possibly running. Wonder what will happen to the officer in question
Totally missed it because it got clumped with a few other articles. Sean and his family are really good people. What an awful thing to happen. Praying for them.
He was effective for Atlanta which allowed Coppy to snatch a pretty decent prospect for him and a reliever. Most likely will end up being a wash, but getting a prospect who ranked in the top 10 of one of the best systems in baseball for Lucas Harrell is pretty impressive.
That was an awful trade for Texas
“Harrell is represented by Frontline.”
Oh no, the poor guy’s got fleas.
Good depth signing. Now go get Ryan Howard or Morneau.. Jays can use a left handed bat that can play first. Dump Smoak for an all you can eat at the Chinese Buffet gift card.
The jays have 3 1st baseman why get another when this need still needs another outfielder and multiple guys in the bullpen
Better start planning the parade route!!!