Blue Jays reportedly nearing deal with reliever Neil Ramirez

According to Roster Roundup, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly nearing a deal with veteran reliever Neil Ramirez.

The Cleveland Indians released Neil Ramirez on August 02nd after the 30-year old struggled in 16 appearances with the club this season. Ramirez compiled an inflated 5.40 earned run average while surrendering ten earned runs in 16.2 innings with the tribe.

In 2017, the Blue Jays selected Ramirez off waivers from the San Francisco Giants only to designate him for assignment ten days later before making an appearance for the club.

Over his six MLB seasons, the former first-round selection has made 179 relief appearances with the Cubs, Brewers, Twins, Giants, Mets, and Indians. Ramirez sports a 4.41 earned run average with three career saves fanning 205 in 171.1 innings.

Ramirez enjoys success when he is locating his breaking ball to keep hitters off balance. Former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons spoke about the hurler during his first stint in the organization.

“We liked a lot of things we saw in Spring Training, he’s got a good breaking ball, that’s the key. Everything really revolves around his curveball. He’s got a good one.”

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The Jays could definitely use another MLB arm in their bullpen after the team parted ways with relievers Joe Biagini, David Phelps and Daniel Hudson at the trade deadline. The likes of Jason Adam, Buddy Boshers, and Brock Stewart have assumed roles in the bullpen following the deadline exodus.

The Jays closer Ken Giles has also been dealing with an injury preventing him from pitching on back to back days which has also handcuffed the bullpen forcing Derek Law to close out games a few games of late.

I must admit, I do not know much about Roster Roundup or the legitimacy of their sources but the move makes sense. We will have to await official word from the club in the coming days regarding Ramirez.