Blue Jays Afternoon Brew: Saunders In, Grilli Out?

Toronto Blue Jays news and notes for June 27th, 2017.

Jason Grilli Designated For Assignment

After pitching to a horrendous 6.97 ERA and 1.60 WHIP this season, it looks like the Blue Jays have finally had enough with Jason Grilli.

Grilli was a midsummer acquisition last year and endeared himself to fans with quality pitching (3.64 ERA) and his passion on the field. In fact, Grilli starred in a major commercial alongside Aaron Sanchez and also featured his own “Grilli Apron Giveaway Day”.

Unfortunately, Grilli could not replicate his 2016 success and with the inevitable move, Grilli will either be claimed by another team, or assigned to Buffalo (AAA). The Blue Jays have called up flame-throwing reliever Chris Smith (3.93 ERA in AAA) to fill Grilli’s spot in the pen.

Carrera Back from the DL 

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

In other transactions, Ezequiel Carrera has been activated from the DL and Dwight Smith Jr. has been sent back down to the minors. Carrera will be returning from a fractured foot suffered on June 14th and will look to earn playing time in a platoon with Steve Pearce in left field. Smith Jr., who impressed with a .370/.414/.444 slash line in 12 games with Toronto, will look to return to the MLB if an injury arises or the Blue Jays need another outfielder when rosters expand in September.

Michael Saunders Reunion?

In an interesting development, the Jays are reportedly interested in resigning Michael Saunders to a minor league deal.

Next: Blue Jays actively scouting Athletics players

After batting an abysmal .205/.257/.360 this year, the Phillies released Saunders two days ago. Saunders would figure to be a low-risk, high reward signing for the Jays on a MiLB deal if he can recapture the magic he had in the first half of the season in 2016.