Lázaro Estrada gets through waivers, which could be a big win for the Blue Jays' bullpen

Lázaro Estrada hasn't been an ideal option out of the bullpen when he's been called upon, but he has served an important purpose this season. He's only thrown 13 innings, posting a 5.54 ERA with 9 strikeouts and 10 walks.

However, the starting rotation has been injury-plagued all year, which has caused quite a few bullpen games. This has created a need to call up Estrada to rest an arm. With a thin pitching staff due to the plethora of injuries, the righty has been a vital bulk arm, eating innings.

Estrada has made this transition between the minors and majors four times this season with the option he had, but on August 15, he was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Daz Cameron. Estrada has shown flashes of brilliance over his eight seasons in the minors, which makes clearing waivers surprising. He's also only 27 and has started 86 games in the minors.

A pitcher in their prime who can start games, you'd think, would be worth a flyer for any team. However, the Toronto Blue Jays are the beneficiaries, with Estrada returning to Triple-A Buffalo. Toronto knows they have an arm that can throw multiple innings when needed.

Any pitching depth at this point is something the Blue Jays can't over value

35 games remain in the regular season, and with relievers who have struggled, Estrada may be called up again. After sending Ricky Tiedemann back to Triple-A, the bottom of the bullpen depth is Matt Waldron, newly acquired Paul Sewald, and Brendon Little.

If they continue to struggle, the Blue Jays have an asset they know can log innings, but he'd need to be added back to the 40-man roster. Which would likely mean Sewald or Waldron are DFA'd for a second time this season.

The good news is that the back end of Toronto's bullpen are clicking at the right time. They have an elite trio in Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers and "Mr. Everything" Spencer Miles who all have ERA's under 1.90 (out of the bullpen). Mason Fluharty has also been pretty much lights out since the beginning of July. In 16.2 innings, Fluharty has 15 strikeouts, four walks and has allowed just four runs while keeping hitters to a .150 BABIP. He's posted a 2.16 ERA and 2.30 FIP in that span.

So the guys who are likely getting the most high leverage innings aren't the ones causing the concern right now for manager John Schneider and his staff. There's also some encouraging news regarding some of his starters, with Trey Yesavage and Jameson Taillon throwing from flat ground in the last couple of days, while Spencer Arrighetti got through his last rehab start without any pain in his foot.

So while Estrada hasn't been a staple for long, his presence has helped get the Blue Jays through some murky times and down the stretch, that depth is incredibly valuable while other pitchers try to get back to 100% health.

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