The Toronto Blue Jays have made another bullpen move prior to Friday’s game, but this one involves an injury.
After recalling Drew Hutchison and sending Bo Schultz back to triple-A Buffalo, Toronto has also recalled Aaron Loup after placing Ryan Goins on the 15-day disabled list with forearm tightness from pitching in yesterday’s game.
IF Ryan Goins on DL w/ forearm tightness (yes, from pitching) and LHP Aaron Loup up from #Buffalo. #BlueJays #Indians #mlb
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) July 2, 2016
Goins entered to pitch the 18th inning of yesterday’s 19-inning marathon, hitting 90 MPH on the radar gun and even uncorking a breaking ball at one point. All things considered, the middle-infielder looked uncannily natural on the mound.
The words “forearm tightness” are dreaded when it comes to pitchers, and for the sake of this conversation, that’s what Goins is/was. Thankfully, Mike Wilner reports this morning that he is expected to miss just the 15 days.
The 28-year-old has continued his strong defensive play this season, but at the dish it’s been a different story. Goins is hitting just .176, and recently the Blue Jays decided to use him as a “super utility” in an effort to maximize his value.
Andy Burns now becomes a possible injury replacement once Toronto’s bullpen allows for a fourth position player to be rostered.
In Aaron Loup, the Blue Jays add a second left-hander to their bullpen alongside Brett Cecil. Loup is still looking to find his footing after a down year in 2015, but has been pitching well recently at the triple-A level.
Over five appearances since his most recent optioning, Loup has struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings and allowed just two hits.