Blue Jays designate Yamaguchi, Shoemaker weighing offers

According to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have cut ties with reliever Shun Yamaguchi designating him for assignment in order to free up a roster spot for Joel Payamps.

The 33-year old hurler signed a two-year deal with the Blue Jays last offseason but struggled in his first attempt at professional ball in North America. Yamaguchi got beat up surrendering 23 earned runs including six home runs in 25. 2 innings of work.

The Japanese native finished the shortened season with an inflated 8.06 earned run average although was much better in the month of August posting a 1.54 earned run average in six appearances. It is unlikely that Yamaguchi will be claimed off waivers as the reliever is still owed $3.175 million for the upcoming 2021 campaign.

The team claimed the 26-year old Payamps off waivers yesterday from Boston Red Sox after he spent last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The reliever made two appearances in the desert last season and has four MLB appearances to his credit.

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According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, free agent pitcher Matt Shoemaker is weighing multiple offers and a decision could come as early as this week. The Blue Jays appeared not involved in the pursuit of the veteran right-hander at this point which is somewhat surprising.

The 34-year old made 11 starts for Toronto over the past two season posting a respectable 3-1 record with a 3.14 earned rune average in 57.1 innings of work. Shoemaker had some unfortunate injury issued during his tenure with the Blue Jays, however, he is still a better option than some of the starters currently penciled into the rotation for next season.

Shoemaker earned $4.2 million last season with the Jays and is likely going to demand something similar on the open market.

The Jays continue to tinker with their 40-man roster as the start of Spring Training looms, the team is reportedly still in the hunt for starting pitching but that yet remains to be seen.