Scratch That: Blue Jays Recall Marcus Walden, Not Chad Jenkins
Feb 25, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Walden (67) poses for a photo at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Hold the phone a minute folks. Last night, it was announced that the Toronto Blue Jays had designated reliever Jeremy Jeffress for assignment and recalled right-hander Chad Jenkins from the Buffalo Bisons to take his roster spot. That may no longer be the case, as Brendan Kennedy of The Star is now tweeting.
According to a team announcement, Jenkins is no longer the arm being recalled. That honor now goes to Marcus Walden who had his contract purchased from Triple-A Buffalo and will receive his first ever Major League assignment.
The 25-year-old Walden was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 9th round of the 2007 draft, but has never managed to climb into the high minors until last season when he finally made it to Double-A New Hampshire. In 26 starts for the Fisher Cats in 2013, Walden posted a 6-14 record, a 3.71 ERA, and a rather small 4.9 K/9 ratio.
Walden also saw some brief action with Toronto in his first spring training with the big club. In 5 appearances (6 IP), he allowed 5 runs on 8 hits but struck out five in the process.
No news yet on why the mix-up on Jenkins being recalled, as the team had announced late last night. However, it appears now it was because Jenkins, already on the 40-man roster, had been on option to Buffalo, meaning he was not eligible to be recalled until April 10th at the earliest (h/t Mike Wilner).
Jeremy Jeffress received another quick hook from the Blue Jays after making 3 appearances in the team’s first five games. In 3.1 innings of work, he had allowed 4 runs on 8 hits, 3 walks, and two hit batsmen while striking out 4. His designation opens up both a spot on the active roster and a 40-man roster spot for Walden.