The Toronto Blue Jays have brought back lefty reliever Joe Mantiply with a minor league contract that includes a non-roster invite to MLB camp. Mantiply, who finished last season within the Blue Jays’ organization, was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June. He signed with Toronto after the All-Star Break, spending some time in Florida before joining Triple-A Buffalo, where he allowed eight runs over 15 2/3 innings.
His performance at Buffalo was decent but not eye-catching. However, he impressed with a 19:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio against 64 Triple-A batters. Despite this strong showing, he didn’t get called up. The Blue Jays saw enough potential to re-sign him after he became a minor league free agent over the winter.
Mantiply had a standout season in 2022, earning an All-Star nod with a 2.85 ERA over 60 innings. At 35, he has great control and generates ground balls, although his velocity is on the lower side—averaging 88.4 mph with his sinker last year. His sinker and changeup have good movement, making him a reliable option in the past. However, he struggled last season, giving up 17 runs in just 9 2/3 MLB innings.
Looking at the Blue Jays’ current roster, they have a solid team overall but lack established left-handed relief pitchers. The team is exploring options, including Eric Lauer, who could take on a multi-inning role. Mason Fluharty relies on a cutter, while Brendon Little boasts stronger raw talent but has struggled with consistency. Another name to watch is Ricky Tiedemann, a promising rookie dealing with elbow issues again.
This blend of experience and emerging talent might just create the right conditions for the Blue Jays, especially as they build towards a successful season. As the game evolves, the importance of reliable pitching continues to be crucial. Keep an eye on Mantiply and the team’s approach—relievers can often be the surprise stars of a season.
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