Paul Sewald joins John Schneider's bullpen Friday, and the Blue Jays' corresponding move puts Lazaro Estrada in a tougher roster spot.
Toronto activated Sewald before opening its series against the Yankees at Rogers Centre, while Estrada was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. The move gives Schneider another experienced late-inning arm.
Sewald arrives after Toronto claimed him off waivers from Arizona on Wednesday. The 36-year-old recorded 24 saves in 27 opportunities for the Diamondbacks this season.
His overall numbers show why Arizona moved on. Sewald posted a 6.23 ERA across 39 innings before being designated for assignment, despite carrying extensive experience at the back end of a bullpen.
Toronto needs the depth. The Blue Jays entered Friday at 59-64 and have leaned heavily on their relief corps during a demanding August stretch.
Estrada became the roster casualty after spending only one day back in the majors. He was recalled Thursday after Brendon Little was placed on the paternity list.
Lazaro Estrada reaches an important roster limit
The bigger consequence involves Estrada's flexibility going forward. The right-hander has now maxed out his available minor-league options after being moved repeatedly between Toronto and Buffalo.
That does not mean Estrada must clear waivers simply for the Blue Jays to recall him again. Toronto can bring him back, but if he is recalled and the club later wants to send him to the minors again this season, he would first need to pass through waivers.
That creates risk each time Toronto considers another promotion. Estrada has a 5.54 ERA over 13 innings for the Blue Jays, but his ability to cover multiple innings has made him useful while Schneider manages a taxed bullpen.
Sewald immediately gives Toronto another arm capable of working later in games. He owns 110 saves over his major-league career after serving in closing roles with Seattle and Arizona.
The timing also puts Toronto's reshaped bullpen directly into an AL East test. Shane Bieber starts Friday against Gerrit Cole as the Blue Jays open their series with New York.
Cole enters the matchup at 6-5 with a 3.35 ERA, while Bieber is 3-2 with a 5.48 ERA. Toronto cannot afford another night that forces Schneider deep into an already busy bullpen.
That makes Sewald more than a veteran waiver claim. His arrival gives Schneider another option immediately, while Estrada's latest trip to Buffalo makes every future roster decision involving the 27-year-old more complicated.
Should the Blue Jays bring Lazaro Estrada back despite the waiver risk?
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