The Blue Jays lose another player to the Dodgers

It's a trend that seems to continue for the Toronto Blue Jays who have lost another player to the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. In recent years, several players have swapped their Blue Jays jersey for Dodger blue including Cavan Biggio, Kevin Kiermaier, and Teoscar Hernandez. Hernandez remains with the Dodgers and has thrived in his new home.

Now José Ureña has joined that list and it comes as no surprise considering the injury bug that has hit the Dodgers this season. Particularly with their pitching, which has turned into a concern for them.

The Blue Jays lose another player to the Dodgers

The Dodgers have already traded for Alexis Diaz and Ureña now joins the NL West division leaders who remain one game ahead of the San Diego Padres. Ureña was utilized in the bullpen with the Blue Jays but also as a spot starter.

The 33-year-old was designated for assignment retroactive to May 31 by the Blue Jays. During his short time with them this season, he made six appearances recording a 3.65 ERA with a 0-0 record. It was a much better performance than he showed with the New York Mets, the team he started the season with, when he gave up five runs across three innings in just one start.

Ureña's upside will be as a reliever as he has the ability to eat up innings, something the Dodgers will be looking for. Ureña has the potential to step in immediately to a long relief role. While his command has been inconsistent, he brings a fastball that can top out at 96 mph and a slider that sits at 87, but he mostly relies on his changeup, which he's thrown 33% of the time, and his 96 mph sinker that he has thrown 32% this season.

While the Blue Jays continue to sort through some pitching issues of their own, they could be watching
Ureña from afar as the one that got away.

When the Blue Jays traded Biggio to the Dodgers last June, they got back Braydon Fisher, who has turned into a very useful arm this season in the Toronto bullpen. He's given up just five runs across nine appearances, and all five came in an ill-fated spot start for the 24-year-old right hander.

When the Blue Jays traded Kiermaier to the Dodgers at last years deadline, they brought back Ryan Yarbrough. Yarbrough was excellent for Toronto in the two months he was there (2.01 ERA, 31.1 IP) and should have been a part of the Blue Jays pitching this season, but instead he's wearing pinstripes and contributing to the Yankees.

The Blue Jays didn't directly give the Dodgers Hernandez, but after trading Teo to Seattle, the slugging outfielder found his way to Hollywood, and Blue Jays fans have lamented seeing all of his success with the mighty Dodgers over the last few seasons.

Considering all the injuries the Dodgers are experiencing, the 11-year veteran
Ureña could end up being a free gift from Toronto to LA.