The Minnesota Twins are acquiring right-handed reliever Trevor Richards from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, according to sources. It's unclear what the return is for Richards. It's a minor move for bullpen depth for Minnesota as they look to stay in the American League wild-card race down the stretch. Richards has gone 2-1 this year in Toronto with a 4.64 ERA (4.40 FIP) and a 1.15 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 24 walks in 52 1/3 innings pitched over 45 appearances (two starts). The 31-year-old has essentially been an innings-eater out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays the last two years. Richards has seen his strikeout rate drop from over 30% last year to 22.5% this year while continuing to walk a hefty amount of hitters. Richards is only attractive in fantasy in deep holds leagues.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced that right-hander Trevor Richards will serve as the team's opener on Tuesday night against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, with right-hander Bowden Francis (forearm) expected to get the bulk of the innings in relief. Francis will be activated off the 15-day injured list for the assignment. Richards tossed 3 1/3 innings of relief last week against the Chicago White Sox and has gone more than an inning in seven of his 25 relief appearances this year, but fantasy managers looking for a streamer should still avoid the 31-year-old veteran. His last appearance came on Sunday against the Pirates. Francis, 28, has been out since late April with forearm tendonitis and had an ugly 8.59 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with 17 K's and seven walks in 14 2/3 innings for Toronto before going on the IL. Francis will be on a limited pitch count and should be avoided for streaming purposes.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Trevor Richards (neck) has begun a rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo. The 29-year-old landed on the 15-day injured list due to a strained neck back on June 18. He's been having a rough year out of the pen, pitching to a 6.59 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP across 28.2 innings. He's been struggling mightily with his control, averaging 5.0 BB/9, which is way up from last year's 2.8 BB/9 average.