The Blue Jays have designated righty Mike Bolsinger, per a club announcement. His roster spot will go to fellow righty Leonel Campos, who was recalled from Triple-A.
[Related: Updated Toronto Blue Jays depth chart]
Bolsinger, 29, has logged 25 2/3 innings with the Jays this season (five starts) and posted a 5.61 ERA with a 21-to-19 K/BB ratio. That level of control issue is atypical for Bolsinger, who in seasons past has demonstrated solid if unspectacular BB/9 rates. While the righty has struggled in each of the past two big league campaigns, he’s not far removed from a nice 2015 season in which he tossed 109 1/3 innings of 3.62 ERA ball for the Dodgers, averaging 8.1 K/9 against 3.7 BB/9 with a 53.1 percent ground-ball rate.
Bolsinger’s Triple-A track record includes a 3.96 ERA in 307 innings with better than a strikeout per frame, respectable control (3.3 BB/9) and considerably above-average ground-ball tendencies. Bolsinger has already been designated for assignment and cleared waivers once this season, so it’s possible that history will repeat itself in that regard. Of course, even if it does, he’d have the option to elect free agency rather than accept an outright assignment back to Buffalo. And, it also remains possible that a club with considerable rotation deficiencies takes a chance on a change of scenery bringing about a return to the right-hander’s 2015 form.
Any club that claims Bolsinger off waivers or acquires him in a minor trade will need to add him directly to the Major League roster, as he’s out of minor league options and can’t be sent to Triple-A without first clearing waivers.
I hope the Jays realize he’ll probably be claimed if he’s out of options.
Bolsinger noted that by saying ‘this will likely be my last start as a Blue Jay’ earlier this week. I’m sure front office was well aware of it. Additionally Campos has been sent down for Liriano’s returning from DL.
Walking 19 guys with 3 hit batters in 25 innings does that to ya
Campos isn’t much better though. Yeesh. What are the Jays upper level management doing?
They’re bringing up relief help for tonight’s game. Liriano’s being activated for tomorrow’s start and Campos will be back in Buffalo.
Man if this guy could find a way to return to somewhat close to 2015 form then a team will be getting a real steal. His curveball is absolutely filthy when it’s on, it’s a lethal out pitch, a true 12 to 6 like Barry Zito threw.
Paging the Reds…
Eh I don’t know if he makes it to them, Philadelphia, San Francisco and San Diego are all ahead of them on the waiver wire and could all use the pitching help.
He could be the ace for the Reds.