Blue Jays Quick Hits: Matt Shoemaker, Danny Barnes, more

Toronto Blue Jays news and notes from April 30th, 2019, including an update on Danny Barnes and the promotion of two minor-league pitchers.

Shoemaker to undergo surgery for torn ACL

Blue Jays pitcher Matt Shoemaker, who last week was diagnosed with a torn ACL, announced on Twitter Sunday that he will be undergoing surgery this week. Shoemaker’s injury came at an incredibly inopportune time, as he’d been throwing well for the Jays, pitching to an ERA of 1.57 in five starts while racking up three wins and 24 strikeouts in 28.2 innings.

Saucedo promoted to Buffalo

LHP Tayler Saucedo, who has pitched to an ERA of 0.66 in 13.2 innings with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats so far this season, has been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo, per the International League transactions page. Saucedo, 25, was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 21st round of the 2015 draft.

Barnes placed on 7-day IL

The Bisons placed RHP Danny Barnes on the 7-day IL Sunday, adding to the reliever’s injury woes. Barnes, 29, was stellar in 2017 for the Jays but scuffled last season, resulting in him getting designated for assignment on January 29. Since clearing waivers and rejoining the organization, the Manhasset, New York native has thrown 7.2 frames in Buffalo, allowing 10 runs on nine hits in seven outings.

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D’Arnaud designated for assignment by Mets

Former top prospect Travis D’Arnaud was surprisingly designated for assignment by the New York Mets Sunday, according to a team announcement. Once the centrepiece of the unforgettable R.A. Dickey trade that sent Noah Syndergaard to New York, D’Arnaud has posted a slash of .242/.303/.401 in parts of seven injury-riddled seasons.

Ouellette heads to International League

RHP William Ouellette has also earned a promotion to Triple-A Buffalo, coming up from the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays Monday, his MiLB player page indicates. A native of Fullerton, California, Ouellette, 25, has pitched to an ERA of 3.09 in 11.2 frames with Dunedin, striking out 15 without walking a batter.

Brito continues to disappoint at the plate

Blue Jays outfielder Socrates Brito, who currently has an OPS of .310, struck out in all three of his plate appearances in this weekend’s series against the Athletics. With 14 strikeouts this season, Brito has the seventh worst OPS in the American League among all batters, regardless of the number of plate appearances.