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Reds To Re-Sign Mike Ford, Claim Yosver Zulueta From Blue Jays

By Steve Adams | March 28, 2024 at 2:35pm CDT

The Reds announced that they’ve claimed Yosver Zulueta from the Blue Jays and optioned him to Triple-A Louisville. Infielder Matt McLain, who had shoulder surgery this week, has been placed on the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the roster. Francys Romero reported on Zulueta’s claim prior to the official announcement. The timing is surprising, as Toronto only announced earlier today that Zulueta was being designated for assignment. It’s likely that the move was actually made earlier in the week but not formally announced at the time. Outright waivers are typically a 48-hour process. The Reds also re-signed first baseman Mike Ford to a minor league deal after releasing him last week, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

With McLain’s recent surgery, the Reds effectively had a free roster spot to use. It’s unclear exactly how long the infielder will be out but it’s evidently longer than two months, as he is now ineligible to be activated until late May at the earliest.

The Reds have used that spot to snag Zulueta, an intriguing arm but one with significant control issues. In 2022, he tossed 55 2/3 innings across four different levels of Toronto’s system with an earned run average of 3.72. He struck out 33.9% of batters faced that year but also gave out free passes at a 12.9% clip, starting 12 of his 21 appearances.

The Jays moved him more firmly into a relief role in 2023, as he started just seven of his 45 appearances at Triple-A. Even those seven starts were mostly two or three innings as an opener, leading to a tally of 64 innings on the year. He had a 4.08 ERA in that time while striking out 25.4% of batters faced and keeping 51.3% of balls in play on the ground, but also walked 15.7% of batters that came to the plate against him. Here in the spring, he tossed five innings, notching just two strikeouts but giving out four walks.

He still has a couple of options and the Reds have quickly sent him down. They will surely try to help him get a better grasp of his stuff and see if he can become a useful piece at some point. For now, he can serve as depth until the big league club needs a fresh arm or he forces his way into their plans.

Ford, 31, is a strong power bat but he has strikeout issues and no versatility since he’s only capable of playing first base or serving as a designated hitter. He hit 16 home runs in 251 plate appearances with the Mariners last year while striking out at a 32.3% rate.

He nonetheless had to settle for a minor league deal with the Reds and destroyed opposing pitchers this spring, hitting three homers in 35 plate appearances and slashing .455/.486/.727. Despite that, he didn’t break camp with the club, getting released last week. The Reds have plenty of first base options in Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario, Spencer Steer and Jonathan India, making it difficult for Ford to be squeezed in.

Ford had an opt-out on his deal so he either triggered it or the Reds let him proactively search for his next opportunity, but he has come back to the club on another minor league deal. He’ll presumably go to Triple-A for some regular playing time and await his next opportunity, whether it’s with the Reds or somewhere else. Each of Encarnacion-Strand, Candelario, Steer and India can play other positions, so Ford could be of use down the line if the club’s injuries mount and the path to playing time opens. But he also may have another opt-out on his new deal that could allow him to go somewhere else as the season progresses, while the Reds could also maybe flip him if he’s hitting well and another club comes calling.

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Cincinnati Reds Toronto Blue Jays Transactions Mike Ford Yosver Zulueta

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View Comments (18)
Post a Comment

18 Comments

  1. Digdugler

    1 year ago

    *yoink*

    Reply
  2. KamKid

    1 year ago

    That was quick. Was Toronto trying to sneak Zulueta through waivers instead of feeling out trade interest? I feel they could have got some cash at least or something.

    2
    Reply
    • Digdugler

      1 year ago

      Atkins doesnt really use logic. Not that I think Zulu will pan out, but there was no reason to DFA him instead of Wes Parsons or Brendon Little.

      4
      Reply
      • deok40

        1 year ago

        yeah really boggles the mind as Parsons is complete trash.

        1
        Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        Parsons making the team is scary bad.

        1
        Reply
    • dano62

      1 year ago

      I think they do receive $ as part of the waiver claim

      1
      Reply
    • cguy

      1 year ago

      I’m happy as a Reds fan. Great slider, good fastball plus has 2 OPTIONS. Decent pickup. We’ll see what DJ can do with him.

      Reply
      • This one belongs to the Reds

        1 year ago

        That walk rate will not play well in GABP. I don’t know why they keep bringing in these guys that walk the ballpark given how badly that has played over the years.

        Reply
        • octavian8

          1 year ago

          Simple answer. Low cost, high reward. If it doesn’t work out no one is hurt.

          1
          Reply
        • cguy

          1 year ago

          What? He’s pitched less than 120 innings in the minor league over 3 seasons. No one knows how he’ll turn out yet.

          1
          Reply
        • This one belongs to the Reds

          1 year ago

          What? If it was that bad in the minors, you expect it to be better in the majors?

          Maybe think before drinking the kool aid sometimes.

          Reply
  3. chiefnocahoma1

    1 year ago

    You gotta try harder than that..

    11
    Reply
    • bwood

      1 year ago

      Ford Obviously Rolls Dodges.
      From Bountiful Research Discovery, spotrac.com/mlb/cincinnati-reds/mike-ford-24676/ca… , its not many of anything.
      Its likely a 1994 Dodge Ram 1500.
      Frankly, Optimism Regarding Dodge in 1994 was very good so Id say he got himself a Fairly Obvious Rad Dodge that’s a keeper vs a 2024 Fiat Or Ram Durango or a 2024 Fiat 1500 4×4.
      Fords OPS Raised Definitely would allow him many Fords but For Ops Really Down, many is not in his futire

      1
      Reply
    • mlb fan

      1 year ago

      Mike Ford is built “Ford Tough”?

      Reply
  4. This one belongs to the Reds

    1 year ago

    Ok…

    Reply
  5. cguy

    1 year ago

    Ford had an impressive ST and may see time with the Reds if Martini doesn’t start well.

    1
    Reply
    • Armaments216

      1 year ago

      Yeah if it’s not with the Reds another team will eventually have a big league opening for him. Ford would definitely have asked for opt outs in this new minors deal.

      Reply
    • This one belongs to the Reds

      1 year ago

      Martini left Gray shaken, not stirred so he has started well so far.

      1
      Reply

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