Toronto Blue Jays designate Esmil Rogers for assignment

The writing has been on the wall at the end of each and every disappointing appearance. It just took a little while longer for the Toronto Blue Jays to see it clearly, as Friday the team cut bait on right-hander Esmil Rogers, designating him for assignment in order to clear roster space for Liam Hendriks.

The move was announced by John Gibbons on a morning radio appearance, per Sportsnet’s Jeff Simmons.

The 28-year-old Rogers was acquired from the Cleveland Indians prior to the 2013 season in exchange for infielder Mike Aviles and minor league catcher Yan Gomes. His performance in 2013, when he was used as a swing-man was at times enlightening, and the team once considered him an option to start prior to the 2014 season.

In 44 appearances (20 starts) last season, the Dominican native posted a 5-9 record, a 4.77 ERA and a 6.3 K/9 ratio. That included a solid 1.24 ground-out to air-out ratio.

Unfortunately, the wheels fell completely off for Rogers in 2014, as he’s struggled in a full-time relief role, posting a 6.97 ERA and has surrendered 5 home runs in just 20.1 innings pitched. While he has posted a solid 9.15 K/9 ratio, opponents are knocking him around with a .371 BABIP and a 17.2% HR/FB ratio.

The Blue Jays have been reluctant to part ways with Rogers thus far, as he does possess solid stuff and the Jays gave up two pieces in Aviles and Gomes that could have been incredibly useful to get him. However, his continued struggles pushed the issue and the Jays opted to use him for the corresponding move for Hendriks rather than lefty Rob Rasmussen