The Blue Jays have announced to reporters, including Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, that they have acquired left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda from the Pirates for cash considerations. Banda had been designated for assignment earlier this week. Julian Merryweather was transferred to the 60-day IL in order to create space on the 40-man roster for Banda.
With Toronto missing several relievers on the injured list, Banda’s acquisition adds some bullpen depth, and Banda could possibly position himself for regular work even when everyone is healthy. Tim Mayza is the top left-hander in the Jays’ bullpen, with Taylor Saucedo and rookies Matt Gage and Andrew Vasquez getting some looks as the second southpaw in the relief corps (Saucedo and Vazquez are two of the pitchers on the IL).
It has been a tough and perhaps simply unlucky season for Banda, who has a 6.41 ERA over 19 2/3 innings with the Pirates in 2022. Banda’s SIERA is a much more respectable 3.47, as a whopping .463 BABIP indicates that despite his success at limiting hard contact, a lot of Banda’s balls in play are turning into hits. Banda also has an impressive 5.1% walk rate.
The 28-year-old is no stranger to the AL East, having pitched with the Rays from 2018-20. A noted prospect back during his time in the Diamondbacks’ farm system, Banda spent the bulk of his time in Tampa recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he has yet to truly establish himself in the majors. The southpaw’s 33 2/3 innings in 2021 marked his career high, as Banda had a 4.28 ERA with the Mets and Pirates.
He was average last year but this year has looked awful for the most part. But not like teams haven’t improved pirates pitching. See Kuhl Holmes Davis Poppen Crick Overton.
Not to mention starters…Cole, Musgrove and Glasnow.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Banda becomes a better than average pitcher now that he’s gone from the team that still considers Mitch Keller as an “ ace “,
@thecoty I would be surprised. I can see him being more consistent. Better than average I will be impressed.
Who referred to Keller as a ace? I missed that one.
I think you are confused ‘The Man’
@thecoty Current management had nothing to do with Cole Glasnow and actually improved Musgrove.
I was just speaking organizationally.
Kinda crazy how the pirates went from revitalizing pitchers careers with Searage to just being a pit of wasted pitching talent
I agree. If people would stop and think about that. The guy knew what he was doing.
Pirates were one of the first teams to go all in with shifting and taking advantage of the low strike zone. When it was time to adapt they didn’t.
Searage revitalized older pitchers who came to the Pirates but was not nearly as good with the young pitchers.
Was once in the Rays organization, Montoyo maybe likes him. Romo too lol. Both have similar ERAs.
Yeah, the Jays are in need of some pitching, if only temporarily….very tough division. Hopefully Pete Walker helps him out.
Banda has some talent,but too inconsistent to have proved any usefulness.
Anthony, this is Pete Walker, say hello…
BANDA on the run !!
Ex Giant pitchers always seem to find work. Romo now Banda.. Hembree next?.
Gausman too of course
Mick-No.
If the A’s let him go he must be bad. More dumpster diving by Atkins. The Jays need a #1 alpha dog starter and two swing and miss relievers or it is yet the 7th year with no World Series with Shapiro.
the jays don’t need a number 1 alpha dog starter. they have 2-3 guys who could headline a majority of mlb teams rotations if they pitched w consistency and to their potential. a solid consistent inning eating sub 4ERA rotation piece would be more than enough all things being equal.
the bullpen is a dumpster fire that is probably more than 2 lock down arms away from being anywhere near the best bullpens in baseball which is what you’ll need to get a sniff at the world series this year.
Sad Banda!
Paging Dr. Walker
Nutting loves cash!!!
Absolutely brilliant put together comment.