TORONTO – Five appearances and $2 million later, Franklin Morales’ brief tenure in Toronto came to an end Tuesday. The Blue Jays have officially released the left-hander, who was designated for assignment Aug. 1.
When the Blue Jays first signed Morales on April 2, he seemed capable of helping a bullpen short on left-handed relief. After all, he was mere months removed from a season in which he posted a 3.18 ERA for the Kansas City Royals. Morales struck out three batters for every one he walked in 2015 thanks to a fastball that averaged nearly 93 mph. At 30, he appeared to have productive years ahead.
But soon after Morales joined the Blue Jays, it became apparent that he was working with reduced stuff. He made two unremarkable appearances in early April before hitting the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. A slow rehabilitation process followed, and after 45 days on the roster his $2 million contract became guaranteed (teams can’t release players on the DL).
Morales spent the maximum 30 days on rehab assignment with the Blue Jays’ minor-league affiliates before the big-league team activated him July 22. As soon as he returned it became apparent that he was working with a fastball in the 88 mph range, and the results were similarly disappointing. All told, he allowed four earned runs in four innings with the Blue Jays while walking two and striking out two.
The Blue Jays’ bullpen currently features just one left-hander, Brett Cecil.
