Blue Jays: Danny Jansen Returns, Brad Hand DFA’d

Tuesday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported by Kaitlyn McGrath, had made a pair of roster moves as they had designated Brad Hand for assignment and activated catcher Danny Jansen.

In a desperate move to improve the bullpen this past trade deadline in July, the Blue Jays acquired Hand from the Washington Nationals for prospect Riley Adams.  Toronto thought they were getting a capable left-handed arm in the bullpen as Hand led the American League in saves with 16 in 2020 while posting a 2.05 ERA, and had a respectable 3.59 ERA with Washington this season while posting 21 saves.

Hand struggled since he was acquired by the Blue Jays and surrendered runs in five of his 11 appearances, albeit a pair of those appearances were in extra innings when a runner starts at second base.  Hand last appeared on August 26 when he started the sixth inning and after retiring the first two batters, the next three collected hits scoring two runs.  In total, Hand posted a 7.27 ERA and 1.85 WHIP over 8.2 innings pitched.

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The 31-year old Hand should not have any trouble landing a spot on a major league roster as he has enough of a track record for a team to take a shot at him and see if a change of scenario is all he needs.

Adams has looked impressive in Washington and currently has a slash line of .341/.442/.568 over 52 plate appearances which includes a pair of home runs, one of which came in his first game against the Blue Jays.

The Toronto Blue Jays have added catcher Danny Jansen to the active roster after being out since mid July and have Designated Brad Hand for Assignment

Jansen returns back to the lineup in a season that he has spent the majority of his time on the injured list.  Jansen played just two games in June and seven games in July.  During those nine games he went 7 for 21 (.333) with a pair of home runs and doubles, however, has a season slash line of .176/.259/.336 on the season.

The 26-year old catcher may have a tough time finding playing time as Reese McGuire and Alejandro Kirk both are both having good seasons.  McGrath reports that Jansen will be in the lineup for tonight’s game.