Ryan Rowland-Smith inks minor league deal with Toronto Blue Jays

Apr 11, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off another rough outing from the pitching staff, added some depth in that department, inking Ryan Rowland-Smith to a minor league deal on Friday. The deal includes a opt-out clause if Rowland-Smith is not on the Major League roster by June 1st, according to MLB Daily Dish’s Chris Cotillo.

The 31-year-old Australian was cut lose by the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this week, after posting a 4.91 ERA and an 11.0 K/9 ratio in six relief appearances for the snakes. Unfortunately, his 4.9 BB/9 ratio was likely the reason he was cut as the Diamondbacks try to turn around their pitching staff.

Prior to 2014, Rowland-Smith had not seen action in the Major Leagues since he appeared in 27 games (20 starts) for the Seattle Mariners in 2010. Since then, he has also bounced around the Red Sox, Cubs, and Houston Astros organizations. He was quite impressive in a relief role for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2013, posting a 1.55 ERA in 52.1 innings of work, coupling that with a 7.7 K/9 ratio and a 2.6 BB/9 mark.

According to his scouting report via SoxProspects.com, Rowland-Smith throws a high-80’s fastball and mixes in a swooping curveball and a change-up.

In parts of 5 Major League seasons, the former amateur free agent owns a 12-17 record with a 4.57 ERA, a 5.6 K/9, and a 3.4 BB/9 ratio over the course of 121 appearances (47 starts). A left-hander, Rowland-Smith will likely report to Triple-A Buffalo while he awaits a call-up.