MLB: Spring Training-Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros

Blue Jays Recall Pat Venditte, Designate Arnold Leon for Assignment

Everyone’s favourite switch-pitcher is now on the Blue Jays active roster.

With Franklin Morales injured and Brett Cecil struggling, the addition of a second left-handed option to the Jays’ bullpen makes a lot of sense. The Jays are currently facing a lefty heavy Yankees’ lineup, with tough sluggers David Ortiz and Chris Davis looming ahead in their schedule, so Venditte will probably get plenty of work. The reason he wasn’t recalled before today’s game was that he was required to spend 10 days on optional assignment, and today was the earliest he could be brought back.

Venditte is a 30 year old switch-pitcher who split the 2015 season between the Oakland Athletics and their AAA affiliate in Nashville. He finished 2015 with a 2-2 record and a 4.40 ERA. He was more effective pitching left-handed, holding left-handed hitters to a .116/.191/.256 slash line. He was less effective right-handed, only managing a .274/.352/.484 against right-handed batters, but the vast majority of that damage came against against switch-hitters batting right-handed. The rules state that Venditte must declare which hand he will throw with before the batter picks a side, and righties facing him pitching as a lefty hit .391/.444/.856 in 28 plate appearances. These numbers are consistent with his minor league performance, so the Jays should be cautious deploying him against any switch hitters. Against strictly one-handed hitters though? Venditte is a clear weapon. He has also learned a new slider grip when throwing right-handed that has helped him strike out five of the six batters he faced in Buffalo before his call up.

Look to see him tonight if Happ struggles and any of Brian McCann, Didi Gregorius, Jacoby Ellsbury, or Brett Gardner step to the plate.

Leon, on the other hand, had no clear role with the Jays. He also didn’t distinguish himself in the few outings he was given during his time with the club, giving up a game-winning three run homer to Steven Souza Jr. in his debut. Given the lack of low leverage situations in which the Jays could safely deploy him, and the lack of a clear role with so many right-handers in the bullpen, his departure seemed an inevitability to those who watched.

Leon is a 27 year old right-hander who also spent 2015  bouncing between Oakland and Nashville, having been acquired by the Jays for cash considerations. He had an 0-2 record and a 4.39 ERA with Oakland in 19 games. He is most famous for playing for Mexico against Canada in the World Baseball Classic, and having started a brawl after beaning a player. He probably didn’t win back many fans in Canada after his uninspired stint with the Blue Jays.

Lead Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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