Blue Jays Steve Delabar Lands On DL With Shoulder Inflammation

Jun 18, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Steve Delabar (50) throws against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at the Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated Colorado 8-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Late Saturday night, we learned that J.A. Happ was set to be activated by the Toronto Blue Jays and the assumption was that either Brad Lincoln or Neil Wagner were going to be optioned to clear a spot on the active roster for Happ.

Well, that assumption appears to be off a bit.

According to Shi Davidi, the Blue Jays have placed right-hander Steve Delabar on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation and will recall Happ to take his roster spot. Delabar’s placement on the DL is retroactive to August 3rd.

This likely means that both Lincoln and Wagner are retained in the bullpen for the time being.

The 30-year-old Delabar was a first time All-Star this season, pitching to a 5-2 record with a 2.90 ERA and a 13.6 K/9 ratio. He leads all Toronto relievers with 75 strike-outs, ranking fourth among all Blue Jays pitchers.

However, Delabar’s workload appears to have gotten to him in recent outings, as he holds a 7.59 ERA in 12 appearances since the start of July. The right-hander is second on the roster in appearances with 46, and third on innings pitched out of the bullpen with 49.2.

At the very least, the trip to the DL will give him a much deserved breather, but it will also force John Gibbons to find another piece to take his place in late game situations. Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup will continue to draw those appearances, and Neil Wagner will likely be thrust into a larger role with the team.