Blue Jays well represented by former players in postseason

The MLB Postseason is upon and even though the Toronto Blue Jays are not still playing in October, there are a number of familiar faces representing their new clubs.

Twins

The Blue Jays have at least one former player on all ten postseason bound teams except the Minnesota Twins, the AL Central champions do not have one former player on their active roster. I guess if you want to get technical, Ronald Torreyes was a member of the Jays organization for less than a month in 2015 but never played at the big league level. As it is Torreyes only play seven games with the Twins in 2019.

Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers have a familiar face in Eric Thames on their squad. Thames hit .247 with 25 homers in 149 games for Milwaukee this season, however, last played for the Blue Jays in 2012.

Dodgers

The only former player on the Dodgers is catcher Russell Martin who has a knack for latching on with playoff-contending teams throughout his career. The 36-year old Canadian hit .220 with six home runs in 83 games with Los Angeles this season. Martin also made four relief appearances on the mound without surrendering a run.

Rays

The division rival Tampa Bay Rays acquired Eric Sogard at the trade deadline for two minor league prospects. Sogard has hit only .266 since the trade and is nursing a bone bruise on his right foot so his availability for the postseason is currently uncertain.

The Rays also have backstop Travis d’Arnaud who they purchased from the Dodgers in May. d’Arnaud is a constant reminder of the Noah Syndergaard/ R.A. Dickey trade with the Mets although he only played in the minors for the Jays.

A’s

The Athletic have former pitchers Brett Anderson and Liam Hendriks on their playoff roster. Anderson made seven appearances for the Jays in 2017 while Hendriks last pitched in 2015 before the playoff-bound Jays being traded him for Jesse Chavez.

Nationals

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The Washington Nationals acquired Daniel Hudson at the trade deadline and the reliever has paid dividends. In 24 appearances, Hudson sports an impressive 1.44 earned run average with six saves solidifying the backend of the Nationals bullpen.

Former catcher Yan Gomes also makes his home in Washington, Gomes last played for the Blue Jays in his rookie season in 2012. Gomes was dealt with Mike Aviles to the Indians in exchange for Esmil Rogers.

Braves

Josh Donaldson had a comeback player of the year campaign for the playoff-bound Braves hitting .259 with 37 homers and 100 walks. The third baseman resembled him former MVP self in 2019 as Atlanta looks to do some damage in the postseason.

Former shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria is also a member of the Braves along with General Manager Alex Anthopoulos. It will be kind of hard not to root for the Braves to come out of the National League.

Cardinals

Former bullpen arms Dominic Leone and Brett Cecil are members of the Cardinals, however, Cecil has not pitched at all in 2019 and is currently sidelined with carpal tunnel syndrome in his left hand.

Yankees

The Yankees have a trio of former players highlighted by fan-favourite Edwin Encarnacion on their roster. Encarnacion is currently nursing an oblique injury but is expected to play in the postseason.

Pitcher J.A. Happ and Gio Urshela who had a breakout season both have ties to the Blue Jays as well.

Astros

The Houston Astros have the most players with Blue Jays ties headed to the postseason. The likes of closer Roberto Osuna, Aaron Sanchez, Jake Marisnick, Aledmys Diaz, Joe Smith, and Joe Biagini have all spent time north of the border.

Sanchez is done for the season with a shoulder capsule injury that required surgery.

So although our Blue Jays may not be postseason bound, there are still a plethora of former players you can root for this playoff season.