The Blue Jays recently returned Rule 5 draft pick Angel Bastardo to the Red Sox. This follows the Blue Jays designating him for assignment last week as they finalized their Opening Day roster. It appears that the other 28 teams opted not to claim him during waivers.
At 24, Bastardo was signed by the Red Sox from Venezuela in 2018. He had a promising start, reaching Double-A in 2023. However, he faced a setback in 2024 when he needed Tommy John surgery, leaving him off the roster heading into the Rule 5 draft. The Blue Jays selected him, hoping he could contribute in 2026.
While a Rule 5 player typically needs to spend 90 days on the active roster, the Blue Jays intended to keep Bastardo for the long haul. Unfortunately, he struggled in spring training. Out of the 33 batters he faced, he walked seven, resulting in a walk rate of 21.2%, nearly three times the league average. He also threw four wild pitches, raising concerns about his readiness.
Ultimately, the Blue Jays decided to let him go, and with no other teams claiming him, the Red Sox are ready to bring him back into their system. He could soon find himself back at Double-A or even make the jump to Triple-A.
Interestingly, while moving back and forth between organizations can be unusual, Bastardo gained an entire year of big league salary and service time during his recovery in 2025. This is a relevant point, especially considering that many players in similar situations often miss out on such opportunities.
As baseball evolves, teams are more cautious with players coming off injuries. Statistics show that over 50% of pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery either struggle to return to their previous form or face additional surgeries (source: American Journal of Sports Medicine). Many clubs are taking extra precautions to ensure their players are fully healthy before committing to them.
For now, Bastardo has a chance to regroup and prove himself, which can lead to a brighter future in the league.
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