Blue Jays Roster Moves – November 2, 2018

The Blue Jays made a whole host of roster moves Friday afternoon, cleaning up their messy 40-man roster.

Rhiner Cruz Elects Free Agency

According to an official club release, right-handed pitcher Rhiner Cruz has elected free agency. Cruz, 32, briefly appeared for the big club this season but saw his season come to a merciful end when he was placed on the 60-day DL having only appeared in two games.

Prior to joining the Blue Jays, the native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic previously played for the Houston Astros.

Tulo, Drewry Come Off the DL

The same slew of team releases had the team announce that shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and infielder Brandon Drury have been reinstated from the 60-day DL. Drury had been on the DL since August 7th, while Tulowitzki didn’t appear in a game this season.

Shafer Clears Waivers, Heads to Buffalo

Justin Shafer, a surprisingly temporarily effective bullpen piece this summer, has cleared waivers and will join the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, per the team’s PR account on Twitter. In 8.1 frames this season, Shafer pitched to a 3.24 ERA, striking out two and walking seven.

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He was originally drafted by the Jays in the 8th round of the 2014 draft and has since logged time with the Bisons, Fisher Cats and Lugnuts.

Petricka Elects Free Agency

Another reliever, journeyman righty Jake Petricka, has also elected free agency. In 41 games this season, the 30-year-old former Chicago White Sox pitched to an ERA of 4.53 while striking out 41 in 45.2 innings. Petricka, a native of Northfield, Illinois, signed a MiLB contract with the Jays in February.

Guerreri Rounds Out List of FAs

Taylor Guerrieri, a former first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays, has also elected free agency, per the same release. In nine games this season, he pitched to a 4.66 ERA while walking four and striking out eight. In 57.1 innings for the Bisons, he went 2-2 while maintaining an ERA of 5.18.

Fernández Claimed by Tigers

Left-handed pitcher José Fernández was claimed off waivers by the Tigers Friday afternoon. A full summary of that move can be found here.