Report: Franklin Morales won’t be with Blue Jays in Houston

Franklin Morales will not be with the Toronto Blue Jays when they open a four-game set with the Houston Astros tomorrow night, according to a report this evening from Sportsnet’s Barry Davis. 


Morales picked the wrong time to have a poor outing earlier today against the Baltimore Orioles, recording just one out in extra innings and taking the loss. The left-hander was charged with three earned runs on one hit and a pair of walks.

After pitching well with the Kansas City Royals last season, especially in left-on-left situations, Morales has disappointed with the Blue Jays since signing a one-year, $2 million deal just prior to opening day. After missing the vast majority of this season with shoulder fatigue and a length rehab stint, Morales has pitched just 4.0 innings at the Major League level.

The reported subtraction of Morales from the 25-man roster would provide the Blue Jays with an added level of flexibility on several fronts. As the Blue Jays’ bullpen lacked an out-of-options reliever, freeing up a spot will allow for a trade addition without forcing a move immediately after.

A recent injury to Troy Tulowitzki could necessitate the promotion of a positional player, but it is very unlikely that Toronto would go with a six-man bullpen after a 12-inning loss.

Of course, even if a deal is not reached for a pitcher on the open market before Monday’s deadline, this would open the door to a triple-A arm. Beyond the usual suspects who have made multiple MLB appearances this season, lesser-known names like Danny Barnes, who owns a 0.51 ERA over 17.2 innings with the Buffalo Bisons and has struck out 21 batters with just one walk, could enter the conversation for relief help.

More on this story as it develops.

Next: Blue Jays reportedly interested in Ervin Santana

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