Sergio Santos returning to Blue Jays bullpen, option Kyle Drabek

Sergio Santos has not thrown a pitch at the Major League level since the Toronto Blue Jays grew tired of his struggles and designated him for assignment on July 21st. Since then, the once would-be closer passed through waivers and has been refining his craft with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

That is all about to change on Sunday, as the Blue Jays announced that they have selected the contract of Santos from Buffalo and will make a corresponding move prior to today’s game.

In 24 games with the Blue Jays in 2014, Santos has been a complete disappointment, posting a 7.78 ERA, a 2.085 WHIP, and a 5.06 FIP in 19.2 innings of work.. The right-hander opened the season as the team’s closer, holding the fort while Casey Janssen recovered from a pre-season injury, but managed to convert only 5 of his first 8 save opportunities.

Acquired prior to the 2013 season in a trade with the Chicago White Soz, Sergio Santos was supposed to be build off of his 30-save season in 2012 and be the closer of the future for the Blue Jays. However, after striking out batters at a rate of 13.1 K/9 in 2012, Santos has shown flashes, but has also struggled with consistency and health. In three seasons in a Blue Jays uniform, he has made just 59 appearances, posting a 4.83 ERA, and was usurped by Casey Janssen as the team’s closer.

The results since his demotion have been much more encouraging, with Santos completely handling business at Triple- Buffalo. In 11 appearances with the Bisons, Santos has allowed just 3 hits and an unearned run, while striking out 16 and walking 6 in 10.2 innings of work. That recovery lead Santos to speaking out about his role with the big league club last week, saying he hadn’t had any communications with the club since his demotion.

To make room for Santos on the active roster, the Blue Jays have optioned Kyle Drabek back to Triple-A Buffalo.

After two Tommy John surgeries, the former top prospect was converted to a reliever this past season and has flourished in the role, posting a 2.77 ERA for the Bisons in 26 relief appearances. That earned him a promotion to Toronto last week, and the right-hander has appeared in 2 games since, working three innings of scoreless relief, allowing 2 hits and striking out 5 in the process. He’ll likely return to the team as a September call-up.