The Toronto Blue Jays selected Angel Bastardo in the Rule 5 Draft before the 2025 season, but he did not play in 2025 as he was recovering from Tommy John Surgery. The Blue Jays designated him for assignment on March 25, and he was returned to the Red Sox on Tuesday.
Bastardo was passed up on waivers by the 28 other clubs. Even though he has been on the Blue Jays roster for a whole season, since he did not spend 90 days on the active roster, he is subject to the roster restrictions of a Rule 5 Draft pick. The Blue Jays selected him in Round 1 of the Major League phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, but since he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, he was placed on the injured list.
Bastardo is healthy now, and pitched in seven spring training games. He threw 7 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits. The rust was evident, as he struck out just five batters and issued seven walks in seven games.
Bastardo was the Red Sox’s No. 28 prospect in 2024. He was in Double-A before his injury, and he could return to Double-A Portland to continue his journey to the big leagues. He would be picking up right where he left off.
Bastardo signed for $35,000 out of Venezuela as part of the 2018-2019 international signing class for the Red Sox. He had a 50-grade fastball, curveball and slider. He had pitched in 78 games for the Red Sox in the minor leagues, starting 74 of those games. He has not pitched in a minor league game since June 5 2024. It’s been over 600 days since he last pitched in a minor league game.
Photo:Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Angel Bastardo delivers to team Canada during the third inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Dunedin, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
