| Thu Jul 23 2020 | 12:33 | Pearson left off Jays' roster, likely delaying free agency | ||||
TORONTO (AP) — Nate Pearson was not included on the Toronto Blue Jays' 30-man roster for Friday's opener at Tampa Bay, a move that likely will delay free-agent eligibility of the hard-throwing right-hander by a year until after the 2026 season.Pearson, who turns 24 on Aug. 20, was 5-4 with a 2.30 ERA in 25 starts across three minor league levels last season that included three starts at Triple-A Buffalo. He struck out 119 in 101 2/3 innings.If he is not put on the active roster until July 29, he would be limited to 61 days of major league service in the 67-day season. That would leave him with a maximum 169 days of credited major league service this year, three days shy of the 172 days needed for a full year of credited service. Service time is adjusted this year because of the shortened season caused by the coronavirus pandemic.A player needs six years of major league service to be eligible for free agency.Pearson allowed four runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings in an exhibition start... [More] | ||||||
| Thu Jul 2 2020 | 13:31 | Breyvic Valera claimed by Blue Jays off waivers from Padres | ||||
TORONTO (AP) — Infielder Breyvic Valera was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays off waivers from the San Diego Padres.Toronto also placed four players on the 10-day injured list in moves retroactive to Tuesday: right-handers Elvis Luciano and Hector Perez, third baseman Brandon Drury and center fielder Jonathan Davis.The 28-year-old Valera hit .234 in 17 games last season for the New York Yankees and the Blue Jays, who claimed him off waivers on Sept. 20. He hit his first career home run on the final day of the regular season.San Diego claimed him off waivers from Toronto on Feb. 12. Valera has a .223 average in 54 games over three seasons. He also has played for St. Louis, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore.Toronto announced the move Thursday and also added right-hander Bryan Baker, infielder Patrick Kivlehan and outfielder Josh Palacios to its training camp player pool.The Blue Jays have not said where their training camp will be. Most clubs start practice Friday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | ||||||