DUNEDIN, Fla. – The Blue Jays moved one step closer to setting their opening day roster Friday, selecting the contract of right-handed reliever David Phelps to the major-league roster in a move sets him up to earn a base salary of $1.75 million in 2022.
Although the Blue Jays don’t open their season for another week, Phelps had an out in his contract that prompted the team to act now. On opening day, Phelps’ $1.75-million salary will be guaranteed, and there’s room for him to double that with incentives.
Now 35, Phelps arrived in camp looking to prove that he’s recovered from the last surgery that cost him most of the 2021 season. After three healthy appearances in the Grapefruit League, the Blue Jays had seen enough to add him to their roster.
Of course, they know first-hand that Phelps can help solidify a bullpen. In 2019, he pitched to a 3.63 ERA with 9.3 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 17.1 innings before trading him to the Cubs in a deal that landed them right-hander Thomas Hatch. Injuries limited Phelps to just 33 total appearances over the last two years, but he reached 94 mph on the radar gun while facing the Tigers Thursday, an indication his recovery has gone well.
Beyond his base salary, Phelps would earn $250,000 if he appears in 35 games and an additional $250,000 for every five further appearances to a maximum of $1.75 million in total incentives.
Also guaranteed spots in the Toronto bullpen are Jordan Romano, Yimi Garcia, Tim Mayza, Adam Cimber, Trevor Richards and Ross Stripling. Manager Charlie Montoyo has indicated there could be room for as many as 10 relievers on the team to begin the season with the likes of Nate Pearson, Julian Merryweather and Ryan Borucki earning serious consideration for the remaining jobs.
In selecting Phelps to the roster, the Blue Jays used one of their two empty 40-man roster spots. That leaves one spot available, with left-handed hitting first baseman Greg Bird seemingly the leading contender to grab it. While outfielder Nathan Lukes and others continue competing for a spot on the Blue Jays’ bench, it’s Bird who has emerged as the frontrunner for that role.
