Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Rafael Dolis has been designated for assignment and infield prospect Kevin Smith will take his place on the active roster.
The moves were made official on Wednesday afternoon, prior to the Blue Jays facing the Washington Nationals.
ROSTER MOVES:
INF Kevin Smith selected to the Major League roster; he will wear number 66 and be active today
LHP Tim Mayza reinstated from 10-day IL and will be active today
RHP Alek Manoah placed on bereavement list
RHP Rafael Dolis designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/fEGymMkstk— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 18, 2021
Dolis is 2-3 during the 2021 MLB season, with a 5.63 ERA in 39 games pitched. According to Sportsnet Stats, Dolis' 1.75 WHIP is the second highest in the MLB this season among relievers with at least 30 innings pitched.
The right-handed pitcher came into the game on Tuesday against the Nationals, giving up one earned run on two hits in 0.2 innings of work.
Dolis arrived with the Blue Jays in February 2020, when he signed a one-year, $1 million contract. He previously played for the Chicago Cubs (2011-2013) and the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball before coming to Toronto.
With Dolis DFA'd, Smith will slot in on the active roster. The 25-year-old made 352 plate appearances with the Buffalo Bisons in triple-A, registering a .286/.371/.576 slash line and a team-leading 19 home runs and 63 RBIs.
"He earned it," Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said of Smith in his pregame media availability. "Now he has a chance to play in the big leagues. That's pretty cool for anyone. I told him that I was happy he was here and that he's going to get a chance to play."
Montoyo also announced that relief pitcher Tim Mayza will be reactivated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Mayza suffered left elbow inflammation and was placed on the IL on Aug. 7. Alek Manoah (5-2, 3.34 ERA) was placed on the bereavement list, opening up a roster spot.
You can watch the Blue Jays close out their road trip against the Nationals Wednesday afternoon on Sportsnet and SN Now beginning at 4:05 p.m. ET/ 1:05 p.m. PT.
