3 Blue Jays relievers who’ve moved up the trust tree, 2 who’ve already moved down

Moving down: Jacob Barnes

One of the surprising roster additions ahead of Opening Day for the Blue Jays came when they included veteran journeyman Jacob Barnes on their 26-man roster rather than a proven commodity in Ryan Yarbrough.

Barnes signed a minor league contract by Toronto just of spring training and struggled throughout the exhibition slate. He amassed a 6.75 ERA with one blown save in six appearances.

Nevertheless, he still managed to strike out six batters in 5 1/3 innings, which seems to be what helped him earn a spot on the on the Blue Jays roster.

The Jays were likely hoping for some more positive results once the season got underway, but it's been more of the same. Barnes was touched up for multiple runs in each of first two innings and has allowed four earned run in four innings of work. He also has one walk and three strikeouts.

Barnes' last appearance came in lower leverage against the Mets, and that will likely be the trend until the 34-year-old veteran shows he can handle impact situations.

Moving Up: Brendon Little

While the Blue Jays' bullpen went through it's struggles last year, Little was one of the few cogs who helped hold it together.

Acquired from the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 season, Little would put together a solid 2024 campaign, compiling a 3.74 ERA with seven holds, one save, 19 walks and 36 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings.

He also emerged as the most trusted-left handed pitcher in the bullpen as Tim Mayza and Génesis Cabrera struggled, which led to him entering this season as the club’s No. 1 lefty option.

Prior to Saturday’s blip when he allowed two runs in 2/3 innings, the 28-year-old reliever had been solid, giving up just one run on three hits with zero walks and five strikeouts in four innings of work over four appearances.

And, in a bit of a good sign, he bounced back the next day by tossing a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

Little's role has definitely increased this season — both as a lefty specialist but also as a weapon as a whole.