What's Happening?
The Toronto Blue Jays have strengthened their bullpen by signing free agent pitcher Tyler Rogers, known for his submarine-style pitching. To accommodate Rogers on their roster, the Blue Jays designated
left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl for assignment. Bruihl, who joined the Blue Jays in 2025, has had a varied career, initially making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over his career, Bruihl has played for several teams, including the Dodgers, Rockies, and Pirates, with varying degrees of success. In the 2025 season, he appeared in 15 games for the Blue Jays, posting a 5.27 ERA. Despite his struggles in the majors, Bruihl showed promise in Triple-A Buffalo, where he maintained a 3.43 ERA over 39 games. The Blue Jays hope Bruihl clears waivers so he can remain within the organization, providing depth as a left-handed reliever.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Tyler Rogers is a strategic move by the Blue Jays to enhance their bullpen, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the MLB. Rogers' unique pitching style adds diversity to the team's pitching options, potentially giving them an edge in close games. For Justin Bruihl, being designated for assignment means uncertainty about his future with the team. If he clears waivers, he could continue to develop within the Blue Jays' system, but if claimed by another team, he might have the opportunity to prove himself elsewhere. This move highlights the ongoing challenges teams face in balancing roster spots while trying to improve performance.
What's Next?
The immediate next step is for Justin Bruihl to go through the waiver process. If he clears waivers, he could remain with the Blue Jays' organization, likely returning to Triple-A Buffalo. However, if another team claims him, Bruihl will have the chance to join a new team and potentially secure a more stable position in the majors. For the Blue Jays, integrating Tyler Rogers into their bullpen will be a priority as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team will focus on leveraging Rogers' unique pitching style to maximize their bullpen's effectiveness.
