Ricky Romero and Mike Nikeas outrighted off Toronto Blue Jays 40-man roster

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero (24) works out during spring training at Bobby Mattick Training Centre. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays announced via Twitter that they have outrighted both pitcher Ricky Romero and catcher Mike Nickeas to the Buffalo Bisons.

It’s not the first time that Romero has been outrighted. He passed through waivers untouched back in June and the fact it’s been announced usually means that he’s already cleared them again. Obviously no other team was willing to pay $15 million for his services the next two seasons (plus a $600k buyout in 2016). Romero was an All-Star back in 2011 but his game completely unraveled in 2012 and has yet to recover. He was a minor league player for the most part of 2013.

Nickeas, who is Vancouver born, did not have a plate appearance for the Blue Jays and caught only one inning. The 30-year-old catcher was picked up in the Blue Jays trade with the New York Mets last November.

The Blue Jays have until the fifth day after the World Series to reinstate players from the 60-day disabled list. Currently the team has Brett Cecil, Josh Johnson, Brandon Morrow, Ramon Ortiz, Juan Perez, Maicer Izturis and Melky Cabrera on the 60-day DL so outrighting Romero and Nickeas frees up two spots. It’s likely Johnson will hit free agency without receiving a qualifying offer and it’s only a matter of time before Ortiz is designated. That leaves the Jays with three players that they still must make a decision about.

Any players not added to the Blue Jays 40-man roster that have played at least five seasons of professional baseball since they were drafted (or four if they were drafted at 19 or later) can be exposed to the Rule 5 Draft.