The Toronto Blue Jays have added an intriguing bullpen arm to the mix.
Recently acquired right-hander José Rodriguez has been selected to the Blue Jays major-league roster and will be active against the Texas Rangers on Friday night, the team announced.
Journeyman righty Michael Lorenzen was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Rodriguez was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 1 for 20-year-old pitching prospect Sebastian Rodriguez. Players not included on an MLB team's 40-man roster are able to be traded after the deadline.
José Rodriguez has had a couple of rough outings with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons since joining the Blue Jays organization, but has had a strong all-around season in the upper minors, with a 3.38 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 29.1 innings.
The 25-year-old stands a towering six-foot-six and boasts a fastball that averages 96.5 m.p.h. He also throws a changeup that has the highest whiff rate of any tracked pitch at triple-A this season, and it could be particularly effective against the Rangers' lefty-laden lineup.
Rodriguez could make his MLB debut in relief on Friday.
Meanwhile, Lorenzen had an 8.49 ERA and allowed four home runs over 11.2 innings with the Blue Jays. He will have to pass through waivers to remain in the Blue Jays system.
The Blue Jays and Rangers are tied at identical 76-77 records, and each sits two games back of the final American League wild-card spot. Coverage of their pivotal series begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
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