Blue Jays DFA Michael Lorenzen, Call Up Jose Rodriguez
- The Toronto Blue Jays designated right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen for assignment on September 18, 2026, ahead of their series opener against the Texas Rangers, according to an official...
- According to reporting from Blue Jays Nation, Lorenzen last pitched on September 15, 2026, against the Detroit Tigers.
- Toronto initially sought out the veteran arm to help eat innings and protect the bullpen amid injuries to pitchers Trey Yesavage (knee) and Shane Bieber (shoulder), as reported...
The Toronto Blue Jays designated right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen for assignment on September 18, 2026, ahead of their series opener against the Texas Rangers, according to an official team announcement covered by Sportsnet and MLB Trade Rumors. The roster move comes after Lorenzen struggled extensively out of the bullpen following a brief stint with the franchise.
Michael Lorenzen DFA Follows Short, Difficult Stint in Toronto
According to reporting from Blue Jays Nation, Lorenzen last pitched on September 15, 2026, against the Detroit Tigers. During that appearance, he surrendered five earned runs on four hits and three walks across just two innings of work. Because he could not be optioned to the minor leagues, the Blue Jays opted to designate the 34-year-old veteran for assignment.
Toronto initially sought out the veteran arm to help eat innings and protect the bullpen amid injuries to pitchers Trey Yesavage (knee) and Shane Bieber (shoulder), as reported by Blue Jays Nation.
However, the journeyman struggled mightily during his time with Toronto. According to Blue Jays Nation, Lorenzen posted an 8.49 ERA and a 7.47 FIP, allowing four home runs, issuing five walks, and striking out eight batters over 11.2 innings of work. Unless another Major League organization claims him off waivers, Lorenzen is expected to clear and elect free agency, per Blue Jays Nation.
José Rodríguez Selected to Major League Roster from Triple-A Buffalo
To fill the open spot on the 28-man roster, the Blue Jays selected right-hander José Rodríguez from Triple-A Buffalo on September 18, 2026, according to announcements highlighted by Sportsnet and Blue Jays Nation. Rodríguez was acquired earlier in the month in a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Blue Jays Nation describes the 25-year-old reliever as a “stuff-over-command” right-hander who utilizes a four-pitch mix consisting of two fastballs, a slider, and a changeup. While healthy this season, Rodríguez maintained a 31.1 percent strikeout rate across 38 innings split between the Blue Jays and Dodgers minor league systems, though he also posted a 14 percent walk rate at the Triple-A level.
Blue Jays Nation noted that Rodríguez boasts a 3.79 ERA and 3.56 FIP overall at Triple-A, aided by an ability to avoid home runs.
Bullpen Impact and Roster Context Against Texas
According to Blue Jays Nation analysis, Rodríguez relies heavily on an effective changeup that generates a swing-and-miss nearly two-thirds of the time, yielding a .143/.280/.190 opponent slash line against left-handed hitters over 25 plate appearances this season. This profile makes him a reverse-splits reliever.
The addition gives Toronto’s bullpen—which already features left-handers Mason Fluharty, Brendon Little, Joe Mantiply, and Brendan Cellucci—another weapon heading into a series against a lefty-heavy Texas Rangers lineup featuring Corey Seager, Joc Pederson, and Brandon Nimmo, per Blue Jays Nation.