MLB: Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals

Blue Jays Sign LHP Franklin Morales to Bolster Bullpen

According to Canadian Baseball Network’s Andrew Hendriks, Toronto has signed veteran Venezuelan LHP Franklin Morales. Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports that the deal is for one year and $2 million, and that to make room of the roster, Ryan Tepera has been optioned to AAA Buffalo.

The deal is “non-guaranteed” and includes incentives as well.

The 30-year-old had been signed by the Brewers in the off-season to a minor league deal that would have paid him $2.3 million if he made the team, but he was released on Monday as Milwaukee chose fellow lefty Chris Capuano to add to the roster instead.

Morales was a product of the Colorado Rockies organization but never had any success there. He turned into a valuable contributor after being traded to Boston in 2011. After going back to Colorado and struggling again in 2014, he had a nice rebound season for the Kansas City Royals last year, posting a 3.18 ERA in 62 1/3 innings pitched.  He has a career K% of 17.9% and a BB% of 10.4%, though last season they were a much better 15.9% and 5.4%. Perhaps more crucial to the Blue Jays’ interest is his excellent production against left handed hitters for the Royals in 2015, as they slashed just .194/.250/.320 against him in 107 plate appearances.

Lead Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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