Blue Jays news: Liriano joins roster, will start Friday

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially added starting pitcher Francisco Liriano to their 25-man roster. He will make his first start with the team on Friday in Kansas City.

Liriano was added in a buzzer-beater deal ahead of Monday’s trade deadline along with prospects Reese McGuire and Harold Ramirez for Toronto pitcher Drew Hutchison. 


This move aligns Liriano to take over Aaron Sanchez’s spot in the rotation sooner than later, something that general manager Ross Atkins and team president Mark Shapiro have both confirmed since Monday.

It could happen as early as next week, too, with Liriano being one day of rest ahead of Sanchez. Despite leading the American League in ERA and gaining legitimate consideration in the AL Cy Young conversation, Sanchez is facing a workload limit as the organization looks to protect the health of their asset long-term.

To make room for Liriano on the roster, the Blue Jays have sent right-handed swingman Mike Bolsinger back to the triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Bolsinger was added in a smaller deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday for Jesse Chavez, and will now occupy the role of a depth arm with the ability of pitching multiple innings.

On the season, Liriano has a 5.46 ERA over 21 starts and 113.2 innings pitched.