Yariel Rodriguez of the Toronto Blue Jays poses for a portrait during photo day at TD Ballpark on February 23, 2024 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays RHP Yariel Rodriguez Sent To Triple-A Buffalo To Start Season – The Blue Jays sent starter Yariel Rodriguez to Triple-A to start the season. Reports indicated Rodriguez would make two or three starts for the Bisons before returning to Toronto.
Schneider said they’ve optioned Zach Pop and Yariel Rodriguez:
“With Yariel, I think just building him up.. we want a lot of his innings to be with us and be 100%.”
Need to cover more innings early in season so Wes/Nate can provide more length than Zach.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) March 27, 2024
In February, Rodriguez, a native of Cuba, inked a $32 million, five-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that contains options, escalators and performance bonuses that allow the 26-year-old right-hander to earn up to $47.5 million as a starter and $37.5 million as a reliever, the Associated Press reported.
He pitched in Japan for three seasons with the Chunichi Dragons before signing with Toronto.
Chicago Cubs Released Catcher Jorge Alfaro – Alfaro, the 2022-23 LIDOM MVP, appeared in 18 games with San Diego and Boston in 2023, but had a rough spring training with the Cubs, batting .146 with one homer.
Cubs announce NRI catcher Joe Hudson has been returned to minor league camp, and NRI catcher Jorge Alfaro has been released.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) March 25, 2024
Alfaro, a native of Sincelejo, Colombia, has played 496 games in the Major Leagues over parts of eight seasons.
Colorado Rockies RHP Anthony Molina Makes Opening Day Roster – Molina, 22, hasn’t pitched above Triple-A, but will start the season in Colorado.
The San Joaquin, Venezuela native was selected by the Rockies in the Rule 5 Draft last December. He made 12 starts with Triple-A Durham in the Tampa Bay Rays system last year, posting a 3-2 record with a 4.76 ERA, 1.635 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 55.2 innings of work.