Blue Jays Morning Brew: Encarnacion, Smith and more

Your Toronto Blue Jays news and notes for Saturday, July 22nd including a visit from Edwin Encarnacion and the parrot as well as the return of Joe Smith.

Edwin Encarnacion Goes Deep

Our old friend Edwin Encarnacion walked the parrot for the first time versus the Blue Jays last night exacting his revenge on his former mates to the tune of 3 hits including a double and round tripper. Eddie led the charge with 4 runs batted in as the Indians thumped the Jays 13-3.

Bullpen Reinforcement

Joe Smith will be activated from the DL before tonight’s contest after being sidelined for the last five weeks with shoulder inflammation. The veteran reliever made 3 rehab appearances with the Bisons posting a 3.86 earned run average in 2.1 innings of work. Expect Jeff Beliveau to be demoted in a corresponding move as the relieved was shellacked for 6 runs last night inflating his earned run average to a healthy 7.47 in 19 games.

Harrell Outrighted To Buffalo

Lucas Harrell cleared waivers and was outrighted to Buffalo, however, the hurler will have the option of accepting the assignment or becoming a free agent. The 32-year old provides minor league depth but struggled with the big club surrendering 5 runs in 6.1 innings of work.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

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• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Joey Bats Garnering Trade Interest

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, teams have been sniffing around on the availability of Jose Bautista. The issue with Bautista is whether or not he would waive his 10/5 rights to accept a trade to a contender. This move would make sense on the Jays part if they don’t plan on bringing him back in 2018, however, the ball is solely in Joey Bats court.

Bolsinger To The DL

Mike Bolsinger mysteriously hit the disabled list with a knee issue after being the hard-luck loser in that 15 inning affair versus the Red Sox earlier this week. Bolsinger struck out 4 batters in an inning but made one bad pitch to Hanley Ramirez that cost the Jays the game. I guess a DL stint is better than trying to get the hurler to clear waivers for a fresh arm from Buffalo.

Next: Blue Jays: Roberto Osuna would net a king’s ransom if dealt

That concludes another edition of your Morning Brew, stay tuned tonight as Marcus Stroman is set to battle Danny Salazar on the bump in game two of their affair with the Tribe.