Blue Jays announce mid-game roster move to add much-needed pitching depth

The Toronto Blue Jays have been making the habit lately of carrying out player transactions following the trade deadline. First, it was the sending of minor league pitcher Troy Watson to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations. Then came the addition of Nick Raposo off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals for catching depth. That was followed by the acquisition of reliever Tommy Nance from the San Diego Padres for bullpen depth. Finally, we also had the trade of speedy outfielder Cam Eden to the New York Yankees.

Well, it appeared as though the Jays weren’t done as they made yet another waiver claim while Saturday’s game was taking place. This time, they picked up 26-year-old right-handed pitcher Luis Frias from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks had recently designated Frias for assignment when they made a waiver claim of their own in getting catcher Andrew Knizner from the Texas Rangers. 

Frias had spent the past four seasons with the Diamondbacks’ organization, struggling to a 2-2 record with a sub-par 6.55 ERA and 1.89 WHIP, while giving up a whopping 42 earned runs, 43 walks and 50 strikeouts in 57.2 innings of work at the big league level. Because of his inconsistency, he had also spent a significant amount of time in the minors during his tenure with Arizona.

This year, things haven’t been going his way once again as he had only made seven appearances with the Diamondbacks to date, posting an atrocious 9.95 ERA and 2.37 WHIP in just 6.1 innings pitched. Despite his struggles though, one has to remember that Frias was nevertheless a relevant part of the Diamondbacks’ run to the World Series where he compiled a tidy 1.35 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 6.2 innings in the playoffs. As a result, there is perhaps still some potential waiting to be unearthed.

With Frias joining the fray in Toronto, he will provide some much-needed pitching depth for the organization. Despite being primarily a reliever in recent years, he has also had some previous experience as a starter. As a result, he can certainly serve as a valuable bulk reliever if needed. Frias will be looking forward to a fresh new start with the Jays starting in Buffalo, as he was optioned to their Triple-A affiliate following the claim.

With the Jays likely holding auditions for potential roster spots for the upcoming year, don’t be surprised at all to see Frias suit up in a Jays’ uniform before the season is up.