The Blue Jays will return the right-hander Lazaro Estrada on the 60-day injured list, reports Franchys Romero. Toronto has a few spots on the 40-man roster after a recent pick Yariel Rodríguez again Connor Seabold by share.
Estrada also has a few options left, so the Jays wouldn’t need to make a corresponding move if they kept him in Triple-A at option. Brendon Littlewho allowed four runs today in his first MLB appearance in two months, appears to be the top choice to return to the minors if the Jays want to carry Estrada on the MLB roster.
Either way, Estrada is back to health after missing two and a half months with a shoulder replacement. The 27-year-old righty made a four-inning appearance as part of a bullpen game on April 4. It was his only MLB appearance of the season and the third appearance of his career. Estrada worked 2-3 inning stints in his rehab assignment but worked as a starter in Triple-A last season.
Estrada is one of five rotation options on Toronto’s 60-day injured list. José Berríos, Cody Ponce again Bowden Francis they are not coming back this season. One, Shane Bieberhe may come back next week. Barring any moves, that will restore the 40-man roster. Bieber has gone five innings in his last two rehab starts and threw 80 pitches on Wednesday.
Kevin Gausman gave up seven runs over two innings in today’s series opener at Wrigley Field. Patrick Corbin again Dylan Cease he will take the ball in the final two games against the Cubs. The Jays are without a reliever for Monday’s series opener against the Astros, where Bieber has been rested regularly. They can choose any Estrada (if activated on the MLB roster), Spencer Miles or Simeon Woods Richardson to get into more of a bullpen game if they want to give Bieber more time. Trey Yesavage will be on Tuesday’s show if they don’t make any changes to the order.
