Blue Jays: Checking in on some former Toronto alum – 18/6/18

As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to be a baseball enigma, many former residents of Toronto have found new homes this week.

“Scrabble” Signs with the Tribe

According to an official team release, the Cleveland Indians have signed left-handed reliever Marc Rzepczynski to a minor league contract. Rzepczynski was previously a Seattle Mariner, having signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Mariners two seasons ago.

Despite the big payday, Zep struggled heavily as a Mariner, pitching to a 5.08 ERA in 39.0 innings, walking 29 and striking out 35. He also saved one game and surrendered 22 earned runs. Rzepczynski played for the Jays from 2009 to 2011 before being traded to the Cardinals in the Colby Rasmus deal.

As a Blue Jay, ‘Zep’ tossed 165.0 innings, striking out 150 and walking 75. According to BaseballReference.com, he was worth 2.1 WAR.

Melky Hits the Open Road

In other Cleveland related news, the Indians announced Monday that Melky Cabrera has elected free agency as opposed to accepting an assignment to Triple-A. Cabrera had been designated for assignment and cleared waivers. On the season, he slashed .207/.243/.293 in 58 at-bats.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics

Melky was a Blue Jay for two seasons, having played the outfield for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. After a disappointing first campaign with the Jays, he quickly turned it around, slashing a stellar .301/.351/.458 in 2014, collecting 19 home runs in 993 total plate appearances with Toronto.

Koehler Ways Away from a Return

According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group (who interviewed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts), right-hander Tom Koehler isn’t expected back until August due to an AC strain. Koehler signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Dodgers, but has yet to officially appear in a game for them.

Koehler was acquired by the Jays in a minor trade last August. He proved to be a quietly effective bullpen piece, pitching to a 2.65 ERA over 17.0 innings, striking out 18 and walking six.

Hutchison Signs with the Dodgers

The Dodgers signed right-hander Drew Hutchison to a minor league deal on Saturday, according to Alex Freedman of the Oklahoma City Dodgers on Twitter. Hutchison started off the year in Philadelphia but was DFA’d after allowing 11 earned runs in just 21.1 innings in relief.

In parts of four seasons for the Blue Jays, Hutchison pitched to a 4.93 ERA, going 29-21, striking out 374 over 416.0 innings.

Next: Report: Mariners, Yankees may be interested in J.A. Happ