Blue Jays continue the churn: Girodo down, Tepera up

Chad Girodo had not made an appearance for the Blue Jays since June 19th

The Toronto Blue Jays continued to shuffle their bullpen cards following Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Left-handed reliever Chad Girodo has been optioned back to the triple-A Buffalo Bisons in favour of right-hander Ryan Tepera. 


This move leaves the Blue Jays with an all right-handed bullpen. While Jays management remains confident in the ability of Tepera to produce reverse splits and manage lefties well, the oncoming return of Brett Cecil and/or Franklin Morales could soon balance out the handedness of the bullpen. Aaron Loup and Pat Venditte remain options, as well.

Across all levels this year, however, lefties have still hit Tepera at a better rate than right handers (an OPS of .679 compared to .539).

Since moving back to triple-A Buffalo early in the month, though, Tepera has pitched very well for the Bisons. In eight appearances spanning 10.1 innings, he’s struck out 10 batters with an ERA of 1.74. Tepera has also taken over the rotating closer’s role in triple-A, converting saves in all six of his most recent outings.

The Blue Jays travel to Colorado tomorrow to open up a three game set. The expected starting pitchers are Marco Estrada, Aaron Sanchez, and J.A. Happ.