Blue Jays Promote Josh Fleming, Reassign Austin Voth

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced the promotion of left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming. In a corresponding move, they designated right-hander Austin Voth for assignment. This decision comes as the team faces challenges due to injuries and illnesses affecting their pitching roster.

Recent Roster Changes

The Blue Jays have actively reshuffled their pitching staff to manage recent challenges. Notably, Cody Ponce is sidelined due to injury, while Eric Lauer has been battling the flu. This situation forced the team to use a bullpen game recently.

Impact of Lauer’s Illness

• Estrada and Brendon Little were optioned prior to the game.
• Voth and Matt Mantiply were called up to provide fresh arm strength.
• Lauer managed only two innings before exiting in a recent game.
• Voth pitched 2 2/3 innings in relief, giving up one earned run.

Details on Josh Fleming

Fleming’s addition is seen as a strategy to bolster the bullpen. He previously pitched for Triple-A Buffalo, where he covered 3 2/3 innings with 57 pitches in his last outing. This marks Fleming’s return to Major League Baseball after a couple of years.

Career Overview

• Fleming has made 25 starts and 55 relief appearances in the majors.
• From 2020 to 2024, he logged 254 2/3 innings for the Rays and Pirates.
• He recorded an earned run average (ERA) of 4.77.
• Fleming’s strikeout rate stands at 14.6%, which is below average.
• Despite the lower strikeout rate, he demonstrated good control, walking only 7.5% of batters faced.
• He induced ground balls on 58.4% of balls in play.

Future Projections

With injuries and off-days scheduled on April 9th and 13th, the Blue Jays are leveraging this period to manage their pitching staff effectively. Patrick Corbin and Trey Yesavage could be joining the team soon, adding further depth to the roster.

Austin Voth’s Status

Voth’s stint with the Blue Jays may be short-lived as he enters DFA limbo. He has substantial major league experience but cannot be optioned to the minors without his consent. His future with the team will depend on whether he clears waivers or can be traded.

This situation underscores the fluid nature of roster management in Major League Baseball, especially during challenging periods. The Blue Jays’ strategies reflect a commitment to maintaining competitiveness while navigating injuries and player availability.