After attempting to bolster an already scary starting rotation in the winter months, the Toronto Blue Jays let go of 23-year-old pitching prospect.
The Blue Jays acquired former San Diego Padres star pitcher Dylan Cease, right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce, and re-signed veteran Max Scherzer.
However, after a mediocre Spring Training, the Blue Jays DFA’d Rule 5 draft pick pitcher Angel Bastardo. Through seven games, Bastardo posted a 4.70 ERA with seven walks, five strikeouts, and five hits.
The right-handed pitcher was selected from the Boston Red Sox in 2024 with the sixth pick of the MLB Rule 5 draft.
One week after Bastardo was announced as the Blue Jays final cut before Opening Day, it was announced Wednesday morning that he would be sent back to Boston after clearing waivers.
Rule 5 pick back in 2024 by the Blue Jays. Finally returned to the mound this spring after TJ in June of 2024. Flashed some intriguing stuff in terms of a relief profile. Good to get him back.
Boston originally signed Bastardo out of Venezuela in 2019 at 19 years old, and have no restrictions. The Red Sox can send Bastardo to one of their minor league affiliates or keep him on the 40-man roster.
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Angel Bastardo’s Time With The Blue Jays Tainted With Injury
The Blue Jays paid $100,000 to the Boston Red Sox to select Angel Bastardo in December 2024, and they had to immediately put him on the 40-man roster and remain there all season.
However, Bastardo was recovering from a Tommy John surgery back in June, allowing the Blue Jays to place him on the 60-day IL.
Since Bastardo was in recovery for the entire 2025 season, he never took the mound for the Blue Jays or any minor league affiliates.
It’s likely that the Red Sox will send Bastardo to one of their minor league affiliates, as they have one of the strongest starting rotations in the MLB.
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Toronto Blue Jays Pitchers Riddled With Injuries
Although Angel Bastardo made his way off the injured list, the Blue Jays were in no hurry to add him to the 40-man roster despite four important pieces on the IL.
Breakout superstar, Trey Yesavage is suffering a right shoulder impingement, according to an MLB injury report.
“Will throw a sim game April 3 with roughly three innings and 45 pitches. Manager John Schneider has been “very encouraged” by his recent steps building up,” per MLB.com
José Berríos and Shane Bieber are both on the 15-day IL with right elbow injuries.
As of March 31, Cody Ponce suffered an ACL sprain in his right knee and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season.
Ponce made his first MLB start in five years against the Colorado Rockies.
The Blue Jays recalled right-handed pitcher Lazaro Estrada hours after Ponce’s injury.
🔹 RHP Lazaro Estrada recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight
🔹 RHP Cody Ponce (right knee ACL sprain) placed on 15-Day IL
The in-game injury to Cody Ponce was devastating to an already banged-up Blue Jays’ starting rotation.
Blue Jays Return Rule 5 Pick, Pitching Prospect Back To AL East Rival