The Blue Jays announced they’ve reinstated catcher Alejandro Kirk from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo. To clear space on the 40-man roster, Toronto designated right-hander T.J. Zeuch for assignment.
The move might bring an end to Zeuch’s tenure with the Jays, who selected him in the first round of the 2016 draft. The big righty has made thirteen appearances (seven starts) with Toronto over the past three seasons, working to a 4.59 ERA across 49 innings. Zeuch has induced grounders on over half the balls put in play against him, but he’s struggled to miss bats at the big league level. The 25-year-old has only managed a 14.1% strikeout rate, while walking an elevated 10.9% of opponents.
Zeuch has spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A, posting a 4.03 ERA in 58 innings. His production there isn’t all that dissimilar from what he’s managed in the majors. Zeuch has racked up grounders (50.5%) but hasn’t struck out many batters (16.6%). To his credit, the 25-year-old has been better at throwing strikes in Triple-A, doling out free passes to just 5.1% of batters faced.
The Jays will have a week to trade Zeuch or expose him to waivers. It wouldn’t at all be surprising to see another club acquire him in the coming days. Zeuch has a strong minor league track record, and he’s shown the ability to carry his groundball tendencies over to the highest level. He also comes with an additional option year beyond this season. Any club that acquires Zeuch could keep him in the high minors through the end of 2022 so long as he sticks on the 40-man roster.
Kirk, one of baseball’s top catching prospects, has been out since early May with a left hip flexor strain. He’s hit very well in limited big league time to date, but the Jays will stick with the more experienced duo of Reese McGuire and Danny Jansen behind the plate for now.
Im not saying Tj was amazing but as a recent 1st rounder (this Front offices first draft choice i believe) wasn’t there another mive they could have made. Hes been a starter his whole career in the minors so even just for depth purposes they should have kept him for now. The other side to that is he doesnt stroke guys out at all
He’s solid from what I saw from him.
The first round of that 2016 draft was pretty rough. When it’s all done, not one first rounder may be among the top 10 players of that draft class. Jays did get a good second round player, and a couple other second rounders have shone well as all stars. But five years out that first round is looking quite poor. Maybe Cal Quantrill can rise above the ashes yet but I see a lot more DFA types than usual.
Anderson, Kirilloff, Lewis, Lowe, Lux, Carlson, Trammell. Verdict is still out on a bunch of guys.
There wasn’t really. I was kind of surprised he wasn’t let go earlier. Track record of mediocre results that seem a bit generous compared to his stuff and underlying numbers.
A rebuilding team should definitely give him a shot… but at this point with the Jays looking to compete they don’t have room for him.
Somebody will have room on the 40 for TJ. Good luck!
Orioles love them strike-throwers, so I’m hopeful that they will (let alone can) claim Zeuch and jettison either Thomas Eshelman or Shaun Anderson of the 40 man.
Yes, I might take a flier on Zeus. Since he has a high upside, since Socrates was already claimed earlier this season.
40 man crunch time is here for the Jays . Time to start packaging some guys or lose them for nothing. Only going too get worse from here.
I was at his first start. Very first major league pitch was a lead off homer to Mookie Betts. Didn’t improve much from there
Thinking this is a mistake to let him go and not even try him as a bullpen piece at least
Wondering if the Rockies could grab him in a deal for a low level prospect or maybe in a package for a ML free agent to be like Mychal Givens. I have liked Zeuch for the Rox ever since that 2016 draft. His ground ball tendencies will play well at Coors.
Without a doubt will he acquired by the Pirates in a couple days.
Former Blue Jay (didn’t look to see, but I assume overlap with Cherington) AND a former Pitt guy…it would literally make no sense for them to not give him a shot.
PS- I had to double check, I remember wanting the Pirates to draft this guy but he went one pick before PGH. Who did they take instead? Will Craig.
I’m so tired of DFA’s and injury news, when are we gonna get some trades? Someone needs to get the ball rolling
Welcome to the Mets. You start Saturday.
Now the Catcher crunch is on for the Jays. Their two best catchers might be in the minors right now…. Which can’t last if they’re looking to compete.
Should be interesting to see what they do in the next couple weeks.
From a post 4 days ago in these very pages:
“If Zeuch could get control over his sinker he could be a good starter.
That is a big if. Most of the time he doesn’t know where it is going or it is in the center of the plate.
There is going to come a time if he is going to stick in the big leagues he has to be able to hit the corners with that pitch, otherwise he is a AAAA player.”
What about the wrists and core, oh wise one?