Blue Jays: Zack Godley opts for free agency, Beau Taylor designated

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a flurry of roster moves in the past couple of days, however, one of them saw the organization lose Zack Godley to free agency.

Zack Godley was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier this week and after going unclaimed, the hurler opted for free agency rather than return to the organization. The designation was somewhat of a surprise seeing the 29-year old has experience as both a starter and a reliever.

Godley was claimed off waivers by the Jays on August 07th and made six relief appearances surrendering seven earned runs over 15 innings of work for a 3.94 earned run average. He is also controllable just entering arbitration eligibility this offseason after earning $609,400 in 2019.

In order for the Blue Jays to add Anthony Kay to the 40-man roster ahead of yesterday’s start, the club designated catcher Beau Taylor for assignment. The 29-year old backstop appeared in one game for the Blue Jays going hitless in two at-bats with a strikeout.

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Taylor was claimed from the Oakland Athletics in the middle of August and also saw action in ten games with the Bisons hitting just .188 with eight strikeouts. Taylor could have an everyday role next season in Buffalo if he remains in the organization.

The team also added pitchers, Justin Shafer and Brock Stewart, back to the MLB roster a few days ago as the September call-ups continue to slowly trickle north of the border. Both hurlers have enjoyed some success with the big club this season at various times.

Stewart has made four relief appearances usually as a long-man following the opener with the Jays this season. He sports a 4.02 earned run average with his best appearance coming versus the Rays where he tossed four innings of shutout ball.

Shafer made 27 appearances going 1-1 with a respectable 3.09 earned run average along with a save in 32 innings of work.