Return of the Chad Beck Experience

March 2, 2012; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Chad Beck (58) poses for a portrait during photo day at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsThe Toronto Blue Jays made a minor move on Friday, reclaiming right-hander Chad Beck off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Beck had been awarded to the Pirates on a previous waiver claim on October 25th, but was subsequently placed on waivers by the Pirates on December 26th in order to make room on the 40-man roster following the Joel Hanrahan trade with Boston.

The 27-year-old reliever has made 17 appearances in the Major Leagues, all with the Blue Jays. Beck owns a lifetime ERA of 5.50 and a 6.0 K/9 ratio in the big leagues, but has pitched significantly better in the minor leagues. In Las Vegas in 2012, Beck made 43 appearances with a 1.31 ERA, 18 saves, a 2.08 batting average against, and a 4.5 K/9 ratio while pitching in the hitter friendly PCL.

By claiming Beck, the Blue Jays 40-man roster is once again full. However, one would expect that Beck may see some more time on the waiver wire when Toronto eventually tries to pass him through in order to outright him to Triple-A Buffalo. There just is not a ton of room in the Major League bullpen for a pitcher with a low strike-out rate and a nearly 1:1 ground-ball to fly-ball ratio.