Blue Jays Claim Former 1st-Round Pick; DFA Veteran Pitcher

The Toronto Blue Jays have bolstered their bullpen by claiming right-handed pitcher Dillon Tate off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, adding a former first-round pick with a track record of success. 

Tate, 30, has had a tough 2024 season, shuttling between the majors and minors, but he has shown potential, particularly in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.16 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 16 appearances. 

In the majors, Tate recorded a 4.59 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 29 games for the Orioles, and the Blue Jays are hoping he can recapture the form that saw him excel in 2022 with a 3.05 ERA over 73.2 innings.

ROSTER MOVES:

🔹 We’ve claimed RHP Dillon Tate off waivers from the Orioles and optioned him to Triple-A

🔹 Additionally, RHP Paolo Espino has been designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/S9gBEg6iKP

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 1, 2024

To make room for Tate on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated veteran right-hander Paolo Espino for assignment. Espino, who joined the team earlier this season, struggled in his limited outings, pitching to an 8.31 ERA over 8.2 innings.

Dillon Tate, Wicked Sweepers. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/nDJu7JYwob

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 25, 2024

Tate will initially join the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, providing the Blue Jays with flexibility and the potential to strengthen their bullpen down the stretch. 

Photo Credit: thomas shea-usa today sports