The Blue Jays have designated right-hander Carlos Ramirez for assignment, per a team announcement. The club also selected righty Deck McGuire from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Ramirez, who debuted with the Blue Jays organization in 2014, garnered his first big league experience last season. The 27-year-old notched a 2.70 ERA with 7.56 K/9, 1.62 BB/9 and a 27 percent groundball rate over that 16 2/3-inning span. Ramirez then tossed just 2 1/3 major league frames this season prior to his designation, allowing an earned run on one hit and five walks (with three strikeouts).
McGuire, 28, is in his second stint with the Blue Jays. The first began in 2010 with quite a bit of fanfare, as the club selected McGuire 11th overall in the draft. McGuire was unable to work his way to the majors with Toronto, though, and the club went on to trade him to Oakland for cash considerations in 2014. McGuire then spent time with Dodgers, Cardinals and Reds, making his big league debut with the latter in 2017. He fared nicely over 13 2/3 innings (2.63 ERA, 7.24 K/9, 1.32 BB/9) before returning to the Jays on a minors pact last November.
Gurriel, whom Toronto signed to a seven-year, $22MM deal in 2016, has struggled in his MLB debut this season. The 24-year-old racked up 70 plate appearances prior to his demotion and hit just .206/.229/.309 with two home runs, two walks and 17 strikeouts. Gurriel is now set for his first Triple-A action, having previously jumped from Double-A to the majors.
Why? Ramirez is an interesting arm who put up solid numbers last year.
Isn’t this McGuire’s second go around with the Jays? I think the A’s had him for a year in AAA
Yup he was drafted by the Jays 1 pick ahead of Chris Sale. Deck being the safe low ceiling high floor pick and Sale…well you know the story