T.J. Zeuch

Rockies, T.J. Zeuch Agree To Minor League Deal

By Anthony Franco | December 9, 2022 at 9:05pm CDT

The Rockies are in agreement with right-hander T.J. Zeuch on a minor league contract, reports Robert Murray of FanSided (Twitter link). He’ll get an invite to big league Spring Training.

Zeuch is looking to rebound after a tough 2022 campaign. His big league work consisted of three starts for the Reds, in which he allowed 18 runs across 10 2/3 innings. That marked the fourth consecutive year of some MLB time for the 6’7″ hurler, but it was lightest workload over that stretch. Zeuch has tossed between 10 2/3 and 22 2/3 big league frames four seasons running, posting a 6.49 ERA across 16 outings (10 starts). Despite a solid 50.5% grounder rate, he’s allowed more than two home runs per nine innings with barely more strikeouts than walks.

The 27-year-old has pitched in parts of three years at Triple-A as well. Zeuch owns a 4.71 ERA in 216 career innings at the top minor league level, striking out a below-average 17.2% of batters faced with an average 8.6% walk rate. The sinkerballer typically posts excellent ground-ball numbers against minor league opponents, though, and the ability to keep the ball down has gotten the University of Pittsburgh product opportunities with four organizations.

Zeuch has spent much of his career in the Blue Jays system after entering pro ball as Toronto’s first-round pick in 2016. St. Louis acquired him from the Jays for cash in July 2021, but he never appeared in the majors as a Cardinal. Released this May after a rough start to the year in Triple-A, he hooked on with the Reds via minor league pact and earned his brief big league look with five solid outings in the minors. He was released in September after his trio of tough MLB starts.

The Rockies have now added two former first-round draftees on minor league contracts this week. Colorado agreed to a non-roster deal with former Pirates utilityman Cole Tucker on Wednesday.

Reds Release T.J. Zeuch

By Steve Adams | September 14, 2022 at 9:00am CDT

The Reds announced today that right-hander T.J. Zeuch has been released. That comes as part of a series of transactions that also saw righty Justin Dunn reinstated from the injured list and right-hander Raynel Espinal optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Dunn had been on the Covid-related injured list, hence the need for a 40-man move to reinstate him to what had been an at-capacity roster.

The 27-year-old Zeuch has been on the injured list himself for the past three weeks due to a back issue. Players on the injured list cannot be placed on outright waivers, so the Reds’ options with Zeuch were to move him to the 60-day injured list for the remainder of the season or release him.

Zeuch began the season with the Cardinals organization but was designated for assignment and released in May. He caught on the Reds shortly thereafter and, after a solid run of five starts with the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, found himself selected to the big league roster in Cincinnati. He made three starts prior to landing on the injured list, but the results were brutal; in just 10 2/3 innings, Zeuch was tattooed for 18 runs on 24 hits and seven walks with as many home runs allowed as strikeouts recorded (five).

While Zeuch never found extensive big league experience in parts of six seasons with the Blue Jays organization, this year’s calamitous, small-sample 15.19 ERA is a marked departure from past levels of performance. In parts of three seasons with the Jays from 2019-21, the 2016 first-rounder posted a respectable 4.59 ERA in 49 frames, logging a strong 50.9% ground-ball rate but struggling in terms of strikeout rate (14.1%) and walk rate (10.9%).

In parts of three seasons of Triple-A ball, Zeuch has a 4.71 ERA in 216 innings, although that’s skewed by an awful showing with the Cardinals earlier this year. Take out that span of 19 1/3 innings (25 earned runs allowed), and he’s sitting at a 4.02 mark for his career at that level — right in line with his broader 3.99 ERA in a total of 484 2/3 minor league innings.

Zeuch doesn’t appear to be at 100 percent at the moment, and with such little time remaining in the regular season, today’s release could very well end his 2022 campaign. He’ll enter the offseason likely to land a minor league deal and compete for a job somewhere next spring.

Reds Planning To Select T.J. Zeuch

By Darragh McDonald | August 8, 2022 at 4:06pm CDT

As the Reds are in New York to start a three-game set with the Mets, right-hander T.J. Zeuch is with the team and expected to start Wednesday’s game, per Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Zeuch isn’t currently on the club’s 40-man roster, though the club currently has a vacancy there. Assuming they don’t add anyone between now and Wednesday, a corresponding move will only be required to add him to the active roster.

Zeuch, 27, is a former first-round pick, as the Blue Jays selected him 21st overall in 2016. He was considered one of the top 30 farmhands in Toronto’s system from 2017 to 2019 but failed to live up to his reputation in the big leagues. From 2019 to 2021, he threw 49 innings for the Jays, putting up a 4.59 ERA with substandard strikeout and walk rates of 14.1% and 10.9%, respectively, though he did get grounders at a decent 50.9% clip.

He was designated for assignment and then morphed from a bluebird into a redbird, getting traded to the Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. He never got up to the big leagues with St. Louis, throwing 38 1/3 innings in Triple-A last year with a 4.93 ERA. This year, he got another 19 1/3 Triple-A innings but registered a ghastly 11.64 ERA in that time, getting designated for assignment and then released.

The Reds brought him aboard on a minor league deal, with Zeuch having showed improved results since. Cincy first sent him to the Arizona Complex League, letting him throw four scoreless innings over three starts there, before moving him up to Triple-A. In five starts there, he’s thrown 22 1/3 innings with a 3.63 ERA, 28.3% strikeout rate, 10.9% walk rate and 60% ground ball rate. Based on those improved results, he’ll get the call to return to the big leagues.

The Reds’ rotation had a few notable subtractions last week, as they traded both Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle prior to the deadline. Hunter Greene was also recently placed on the injured list due to a shoulder strain. That’s created the need for some extra arms next to Mike Minor, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft in the rotation. With the club well out of contention, they can use the rest of the season to evaluate some depth arms and see what they can bring to the table. Robert Dugger got to make a start on Friday, though he’s now been placed on the IL due to right shoulder pain, with Justin Dunn being recalled in a corresponding move.

Dunn, 26, has 25 MLB starts under his belt already, all coming with the Mariners. He registered a 3.94 ERA in 102 2/3 innings but poor rate stats, getting strikeouts 20.6% of the time, walks at a 15.5% clip and grounders at a 33.7% rate. His .205 BABIP in that time likely helped him produce an ERA better than he deserved, with all advanced metrics painting a less rosy picture.

He was acquired from the Mariners as part of the offseason trade that sent Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker to Seattle. It was later reported that Dunn would be out for months due to shoulder troubles, though the Reds evidently knew this at the time of the trade. The righty has subsequently returned to health and has been pitching the minors. Through seven Triple-A starts this year, he has a 6.92 ERA, 17.8% strikeout rate, 12.4% walk rate and 36.9% ground ball rate. He and Zeuch will each make their Reds debuts and try to make their respective cases for sticking in the rotation this year and beyond.

Reds Sign T.J. Zeuch To Minor League Deal

By Darragh McDonald | June 3, 2022 at 10:28pm CDT

The Reds have signed right-handed pitcher T.J. Zeuch to a minor league deal, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. Zeuch had been released by the Cardinals earlier this week.

A first round draft pick of the Blue Jays, Zeuch struggled in his first tastes of MLB action. Over the 2019-2021 seasons, he got into 13 games but put up an ERA of 4.59. His 50.9% ground ball rate in that time was fairly healthy, though he struck out just 14.1% of the batters he faced, well below league average. Toronto designated him for assignment last year and traded him to the Cardinals.

After the trade, Zeuch had a 4.93 in Triple-A last year, but took a huge step back this season. Through five starts and 19 1/3 innings, he let up 25 earned runs for an ERA of 11.64. He got his strikeout rate up to 20% but lost the ground balls, with his rate dropping to 36.8%.

Despite that lackluster start to the year, there’s little harm in the Reds taking a flier on him. He’s still just 26 years old and is a former first round draft pick. The club recently recalled Mike Minor to a rotation that also includes Tyler Mahle, Luis Castillo, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. Mahle and Castillo are each free agents after 2023 and have been in trade rumors for quite some time. They both could be on the move this summer, given the club’s 18-32 record. Minor was just acquired in an offseason trade not long ago but could also be a trade candidate. The Reds have a club option for his 2023 season valued at $13MM with a $1MM buyout, though the Royals agreed to pay that buyout as part of the trade.

Zeuch will try to put up some better results in the minors and earn his way up the starting pitching depth chart, with the club potentially needing innings to be eaten later in the year if they decide to pull the trigger on trading away some arms from their rotation.

Cardinals Release T.J. Zeuch

By Darragh McDonald | May 28, 2022 at 11:24am CDT

TODAY: Zeuch has been released, the Cardinals announced.

MAY 21: The Cardinals announced a handful of roster moves prior to tonight’s game. Left-hander Matthew Liberatore, whose imminent promotion was reported yesterday, has now officially had his contract selected. To make room on the active roster, righty Jake Walsh has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis. Fellow righty T.J. Zeuch has been designated for assignment to open up a spot for Liberatore on the 40-man roster.

The Blue Jays selected Zeuch 21st overall in the 2016 draft, with Zeuch then landing at #8 among Toronto prospects the next year, according to Baseball America. However, his prospect stock faded as he climbed the ranks of the minors, dropping to #12 in the system in 2018 and #24 in 2019. BA’s reports on Zeuch noted that his primary pitch, a sinker, was good at generating ground balls, but that Zeuch lacked a strikeout pitch, as his curveball and slider were mediocre.

Those reports have largely proved astute as Zeuch has faced more talented hitters. Over 2019-2021 with the Blue Jays, he threw 49 innings at the big league level, generating worm burners at a decent 50.9% clip but a paltry 14.1% strikeout rate. The blue birds designated him for assignment in July of last year and traded him to the red birds for cash considerations.

After the trade last year, Zeuch threw 38 1/3 innings for Memphis with a 4.93 ERA, 65.7% grounder rate and 21.6% strikeout rate. Unfortunately, things have soured so far this year, as Zeuch has an unsightly 11.64 ERA through 19 1/3 frames. He hasn’t even been getting ground balls at his customary pace, slipping to 36.8%.

The Cardinals will now have a week to trade him or expose him to waivers. It’s possible that a team in need of pitching depth could write off this year’s struggles as a small sample blip and take a shot on him, given his former first-round pedigree. He’s still just 26 years old and is in his final option year, meaning he could be stashed in Triple-A for emergencies.

Cardinals Acquire T.J. Zeuch From Blue Jays

By TC Zencka | July 25, 2021 at 12:52pm CDT

The Cardinals have reportedly acquired right-hander T.J. Zeuch from the Blue Jays, per Robert Murray of FanSided (via Twitter). Zeuch was recently designated for assignment. The Blue Jays will receive cash considerations, and Zeuch will be assigned to Triple-A, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).

St. Louis has been extremely active in the waiver market, already snagging T.J. McFarland and Justin Miller from the Nationals. Zeuch, however, brings the ability to log innings in the rotation. That fits a particular need for the Cardinals, who currently have four starters on the injured list (Jack Flaherty, Miles Mikolas, Carlos Martinez, Dakota Hudson).

He’s been fairly reliable, for what he provides. Basically, Zeuch offers innings and groundballs. Zeuch figured to be a popular target on the waiver wire given his relatively reliable production, pedigree as a former first-round draft pick, and contract, as he not only is pre-arb, but also comes with two options remaining. The Cardinals also had a 40-man roster spot open after losing Roel Ramirez off waivers to the Mets.

Blue Jays Designate T.J. Zeuch For Assignment

By Anthony Franco | July 20, 2021 at 6:11pm CDT

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.

Blue Jays Place Rafael Dolis On 10-Day IL, Select Jared Hoying

By Mark Polishuk | June 17, 2021 at 5:36pm CDT

The Blue Jays announced some roster moves prior to tonight’s game with the Yankees, including the news that right-hander Rafael Dolis has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right middle finger strain. In addition, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez has been placed on the paternity list. Filling the roster spots will be right-hander T.J. Zeuch (called up from Triple-A to start tonight’s game) and outfielder Jared Hoying, whose contract has been selected from Triple-A. Carl Edwards Jr. has been moved from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL to open up a 40-man roster spot for Hoying.

The injury continues a tough season for Dolis, who has a 5.14 ERA/4.86 SIERA over 21 innings. After overcoming some notable control issues (14% walk rate) to post a 1.50 ERA over 24 frames for Toronto in 2020, the free passes became even more of a problem this year, with Dolis walking 17.3% of all batters faced. That is the ninth-highest walk rate of any hurler in baseball this season with at least 20 innings pitched.

Zeuch will get the start in place of Steven Matz, who is recovering from a positive (but asymptomatic) COVID-19 test. Since the Jays have an off-day on Monday, this could potentially be the only game they need to fill if Matz is able to return as quickly as possible, though Zeuch could put himself in line for another start with a solid performance tonight. The 25-year-old righty has 46 career MLB innings to his record since 2019, including a 6.75 ERA over 12 frames of work this season. Zeuch has been used as a starter, reliever, and bulk pitcher (behind an opener) during his brief career, so the Blue Jays have some flexibility in how they’ll use him as Matz’s replacement.

Hoying signed a minor league contract with Toronto in May, and he now might be lined up for his first bit of big league action since 2017. Hoying’s MLB resume consists of 74 games and a .220/.262/.288 slash line over 126 plate appearances with the Rangers in 2016-17. After a brief stay in the Angels organization on a minor league deal, Hoying joined the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO, hitting .284/.345/.498 over 1249 PA in parts of three seasons in South Korea.

Blue Jays Notes: Springer, Dunedin Schedule, Zeuch

By Mark Polishuk | March 30, 2021 at 2:34pm CDT

It is looking “unlikely” that George Springer will be available for the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster, as Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (Twitter link) reports that Springer’s oblique strain is progressing well but not quite well enough to avoid missing some time. The Jays “will make a last-minute decision” on Springer leading up to their first game of the season, and if an injured-list placement is required, the borderline nature of Springer’s status would seem to hint that the outfielder might only be out for a minimal amount of time. That said, the Jays will certainly be cautious with their prized offseason signing, especially considering how oblique problems can linger and occasionally lead to multiple months on the IL.

Blue Jays Designate Zack Godley, Select T.J. Zeuch

By Jeff Todd | September 3, 2019 at 5:00pm CDT

5:00pm: Toronto announced that Godley has indeed been designated for assignment. His roster spot goes to right-hander T.J. Zeuch, whose contract has been formally selected from Triple-A Buffalo (whose likely promotion had been previously reported). Zeuch is in line to make his MLB debut tonight, following opener Wilmer Font.

Zeuch is generally considered to be among the Jays’ top 20 or so prospects. The 2016 first-rounder has had a solid season spent mostly at the Triple-A level, where he’s logged a 3.69 ERA in 78 innings of work. However, Zeuch also managed just 4.5 K/9 against 3.7 BB/9 in that time. His hefty 57.1 percent grounder rate can help offset the lack of missed bats to an extent, but he’ll need to up his strikeout totals in order to find sustained success in the big leagues.

Toronto also recalled infielder Richard Urena along with outfielders Anthony Alford and Jonathan Davis.

2:59pm: The Blue Jays have designated righty Zack Godley for assignment, per MLBTR’s Steve Adams (Twitter link). Corresponding roster moves aren’t yet known, but the club has a need for space for forthcoming promotions.

Godley, 29, struggled quite a bit with the Diamondbacks before they cut him loose. He’ll have enough service time to qualify for arbitration after the season, though that won’t matter unless he’s claimed by a team with designs on tendering him a contract.

Clearly, the Jays decided against that course of action after watching Godley up close. He was able to provide 16 innings of 3.94 ERA ball in Toronto, but produced only 6.8 K/9 against 3.9 BB/9 with a 43.0% groundball rate. Those numbers are well shy of the quality peripherals Godley produced in each of the past two campaigns.

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