The Blue Jays have claimed righty Jimmy Cordero off waivers from the Nationals, as Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca was among those to cover on Twitter. Cordero was sent to Triple-A on optional assignment.
Despite the Nats’ bullpen malaise, other teams are interested in their relievers that have failed to receive MLB looks this year. Cordero follows Austin Adams (traded to the Mariners) in landing on another 40-man roster after being dropped from the D.C. list. Even as it deals with a struggling pitching staff, the Nationals have been forced to make some tough choices to address injuries to its position-player group.
Cordero will also hope also to follow Adams in getting a promotion with his new organization. He wasn’t able to capitalize on a chance last year, recording as many earned runs and walks as strikeouts (a dozen apiece) in 19 frames. No doubt the Jays also noticed that he pumped 98 mph heat and managed an 11.8% swinging-strike rate. Through 12 innings at Triple-A thus far in 2019, Cordero carries a 6.00 ERA with a 17:9 K/BB mix.
kodion
If he had Atkins’ “swinging-strike rate” on pick-ups like this instead, he’d be a Cy Young winner!
Jays’ need the help, for sure. Hope he brings some
flippinbats79
Jays have the second best bullpen in baseball so far this year. I’m not sure they need help so much as they need some AAA depth
clrrogers 2
Agreed. Their AAA pitching has been terrible. Hopefully adding Cordero and Pannone (after being optioned) will help out.
Le Grande Orangerie
Also agree. They’ve done a good job bandaiding a severe upper minor shortage from an inherited largely barren farm. But for some it’s more fun to repeat silliness they heard on the bandwagon.
its_happening
Or just promote deserving players from AA. That’s the whole point of development talent from within. Many single-A pitchers deserve a promotion to AA also.
bluejays92
A bit of a homecoming for him. He was one of the two prospects shipped to Philly at the 2015 trade deadline for Ben Revere (who just signed a minor league deal with the Jays about a week ago).
clrrogers 2
Good memory. I had totally forgotten about that.
its_happening
Originally signed by the Blue Jays. Struggles with the walk. Perfect acquisition.
No reason to promote deserving AA players when you can pick up someone else’s scraps.
terrymesmer
Trim, sarcasm only works if you know the facts. Here is a list of several recent Jays’ pitching promotions:
jaysfromthecouch.com/2019/05/16/blue-jays-farm-sys…
its_happening
Oh Terry, you almost tried to know something! There are plenty more arms deserving of a promotion at many levels. Nice try. Not sure if you were trying to prove I am right, but you did. Thanks.
jimmertee
Epic move to claim Jimmy Cordero. Thank you Ross Atkins and Toronto Blue Jays. Sarcasm heavy.
its_happening
They finally bring up Sopko, apparently pitches well. Imagine that! Then they do this. They should be looking to cut, not add (unless it’s necessary).
nyarachnid
When do the Nats pull the trigger on their moronic manager who is clueless about managing a bullpen. Just pathetic
its_happening
When ownership puts the GM on-notice. GM holds the manager as long as possible to hold their own job as long as possible.