Blue Jays internal and external bullpen options

The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen fell victim to another injury last night when reliever Leonel Campos exited the contest with a groin strain, this coming after Joe Smith was placed on the DL yesterday with a shoulder issue.

So even though Leonel Campos is to be reevaluated today, you have to figure he is going to require a DL stint as the Jays will need another arm asap in his place. The Blue Jays undoubtedly have someone summoned from Buffalo en route to Texas as you read this but here are the internal options available.

Rule 5 selection Glenn Sparkman may be the most logical choice as the hurler seems fully recovered from a broken thumb suffered in spring training. Sparkman has a 1.64 earned run average in 11 innings of work fanning 9 batters. The Jays will have to keep Sparkman on the 25-man roster once activated or they risk losing him back to the Kansas City Royals.

The Jays could also call-up 26-year old Chris Rowley who was just promoted to Buffalo from New Hampshire days earlier. In 18 games this season Rowley sports an impressive 1.75 earned run average with 54 strikeouts in 56.2 innings of work.

The Jays could even opt for John Stilson who have been impressive in his right posting a 2.43 earned run average in 18 appearances with the Bisons in a relief role.

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As well some interesting names have hit the waiver wire in the last few days mainly Jeanmar Gomez, Neftali Feliz and free agent Kevin Jepsen held a workout for prospective teams yesterday. All three of those hurlers have closer experience but have struggled of late.

Neftali Feliz opened the season as the Milwaukee Brewers closer but struggled this season posting a 6.00 earned run average in 29 games while saving 8 contests. The 29-year old free agent could be an interesting option for the Jays depleted bullpen if he can regain his old form.

Jeanmar Gomez was a surprise designation by the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday who also sent former Jays outfielder Michael Saunders packing with Gomez. The reliever still needs to clear waivers but is owed $4.2 million for the 2017 campaign which could be a sticking point for some teams. Gomez surrendered 18 runs in 22.1 innings of work but did manage to whiff 21 in the process this season.

Next: Blue Jays must execute with runners in scoring position

I would be leaning toward the Jays filling the hole in the bullpen internally but there is definitely some intriguing options both internally and externally should the Blue Jays so desire.