Righty Neil Ramirez has elected free agency from the Blue Jays, according to the International League transactions page. He had been outrighted by the Toronto organization but had the right to decline the assignment.
It remains to be seen whether Ramirez will draw any interest on the open market. With less than a month left in the regular season and the minor leagues already engaged in playoff battles, there isn’t a ton of room for opportunity.
Still, it’s possible that some team will find a need for an experienced reliever and decide to give a run to the 30-year-old. He certainly wasn’t in top form this year, working to a 5.40 ERA with 8.6 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 — along with an unhealthy 2.5 homers per nine — in 25 total MLB innings. But Ramirez did punch out 51 batters on strikes in 41 2/3 frames last year and has sported a hefty 13.8 K/9 strikeout rate in minor-league action in 2019.
Roger’s Centre is a graveyard for guys like Ramirez. He has an arm and he’ll likely catch on as a injury replacement somewhere else.
Interesting fact: Neil Ramirez has played for more teams in his career (7) than seasons played (6). It’s also pretty impressive that’s he’s managed to stay in the MLB for six years.
If he lowers his WHIP he would be ok
Only two ways to do that
So does he give up a month of salary for refusing the assignment and becoming a free agent?
looks like it, yes.
pretty sure you have to get to 5 years of service time to be able to decline being sent down while still getting paid, and he only entered 2019 at 4 years, 1 day of time
He made 1mm this season…I’m sure a month wont put a huge dent.
“ Hello, Lancaster Barnstormers? Are you looking for somebody? This is Neil ……..”