The Toronto Blue Jays are implementing significant changes to their bullpen as they prepare for their series finale against the Chicago White Sox. The team announced that relievers Brendon Little and Lazaro Estrada have been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. In their stead, Joe Mantiply and Austin Voth have been added to the major-league roster.
Key Transactions
To accommodate the new pitchers on the 40-man roster, pitchers Cody Ponce and Anthony Santander have been moved to the 60-day injured list.
- Brendon Little: The 29-year-old struggled with a poor performance this season, surrendering 10 earned runs over 3.2 innings, resulting in two losses. Notably, he allowed two home runs to left-handed batters in his last outing.
- Lazaro Estrada: At 26, Estrada was recalled earlier this week due to Ponce’s injury but has only managed four hitless innings this season. After throwing 66 pitches on Saturday, the decision was made to send him back to Buffalo.
New Additions to the Roster
Joe Mantiply and Austin Voth, both seasoned pitchers, signed minor-league contracts with the Blue Jays earlier this spring. Mantiply, who is 35 years old, was previously released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after allowing 17 earned runs in 9.2 innings last season. He earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and has posted a 3.45 ERA in 15.2 innings for Triple-A this year, allowing only one earned run with three strikeouts.
Austin Voth’s last major-league appearance came in 2024 with the Seattle Mariners. Following a year in Nippon Professional Baseball, he made a single appearance in Triple-A this season, where he allowed two runs over 3.0 innings.
Conclusion
The changes in the Blue Jays’ bullpen reflect a strategic shift as the team seeks improved performance in upcoming games. With fresh talent in Mantiply and Voth, the Blue Jays aim to strengthen their relief options and build momentum in the remainder of the season.
