Blue Jays sign reliever Craig Breslow to minor-league deal
According to Robert Murray of Fan Rag Sports, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed 37-year old reliever Craig Breslow to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.
Craig Breslow struggled last season after splitting time between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians. The reliever ended the campaign with a combined 5.09 earned run average surrendering 20 earned runs in 35.1 innings on the bump in 2017.
The veteran hurler will be in tough against the likes of John Axford, Jake Petricka and Al Alburquerque who are all coming into camp vying for a spot in the Blue Jays bullpen. The Jays will give all the veterans a long look but it will be an uphill battle for all of them with the landscape of the Jays bullpen nearly set.
Manager John Gibbons has the likes of Roberto Osuna, Ryan Tepera, Danny Barnes, Joe Biagini, Carlos Ramirez and Aaron Loup all with a leg up on the competition and nearly guaranteed a spot in the bullpen.
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The former 26th round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers owns a career 3.45 earned run average in 576 career games over his 12-year career. The hurler has really not been an effective option since his 2013 campaign with the Red Sox where he posted an impressive 1.81 earned run average.
The southpaw has similar splits throughout his career versus both lefties (.248 BA) and righties (.251 BA), however, last season lefties batted an uninspiring .196 versus him.
There is nothing wrong with bringing in arms on MILB deals but at this stage of Breslow’s career, it is probably safe to assume he will not be breaking camp with the big club.
Next: Blue Jays’ John Axford beyond excited for opportunity
With pitchers and catchers set to report to Dunedin later this week, the Jays appear focussed on putting the final touches on their roster. Don’t be surprised if you see a starter or two added in the coming days to complement the current pieces that are in place.