The Blue Jays have some looming bullpen decisions come September

Trevor Richards

When you look at his overall numbers, it is easy to see why fans are starting to change their mind about right-hander Trevor Richards being on the Blue Jays roster. Acquired last season a month before the trade deadline, the former Brewers reliever finished strong in 2021 but was unable to find that rhythm with the Jays to start the 2022 campaign.

From the start of the year to June 17th, Richards made 29 appearances and allowed 21 earned runs through 28.2 innings, sporting a 6.59 ERA with seven home runs allowed and 16 walks compared to 33 strikeouts. The Jays placed him on the IL on June 18th with a neck strain and he missed a couple of weeks

Since his return, Richards has been almost downright dominant, allowing just five earned runs through 19.0 innings while posting a 2.38 ERA. He has limited opponents to a .206 batting average while striking out 25 batters. The walks are still a bit of an issue, allowing 11 through 18 appearances but his numbers are miles ahead from what fans were seeing earlier this season.

If the club is looking to bring back Pop and an additional arm such as Merryweather or another player, Richards looks to be the odd man out. He does not have any MiLB options, meaning the club would have to designate him for assignment.

While this may seem like an easy move to some, Richards still has two years of contract control following the 2022 season and he is pitching well right now, so it doesn’t seem likely the front office would DFA him for Merryweather or someone else at this time.