The Toronto Blue Jays have re-acquired right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold from the Detroit Tigers, just months after releasing him during spring training. The move comes as injuries continue to deplete Toronto's pitching staff, forcing the team to seek creative solutions.
Seabold's Return
Seabold had a solid spring with the Blue Jays but opted out of his contract to join Detroit, where he posted a 3.45 ERA over 15 2/3 innings. In exchange, Toronto sent high-A left-hander Juanmi Vasquez to the Tigers.
It is rare for a team to cut ties with a player in spring training and then trade assets to re-acquire him later, but the Blue Jays' pitching situation has become desperate. Injuries have ravaged the starting rotation and are now affecting the bullpen, with Tommy Nance and Joe Mantiply both sidelined.
Rotation Replacement Needed
The bigger challenge for Toronto is finding a temporary replacement for starter Dylan Cease, whose spot in the rotation comes up Friday. Candidates include Austin Voth, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday; right-hander Chad Dallas, who had his start skipped in Buffalo; and left-hander Josh Fleming, who is scheduled to pitch Thursday in Buffalo. Fleming may have the edge against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Blue Jays are expected to remain active in the pitcher's market as they navigate their injury crisis.
