Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Angel Bastardo is returning to the Boston Red Sox, and the fanbase is incredibly pumped to welcome this dynamic pitcher back home.
The Toronto Blue Jays made their final roster decisions and informed the young right-hander he will not break camp with the big club.
Because he was an unprotected Rule 5 draft pick, the current rules state he must be offered directly back to his original organization.
This is an absolute gift for the front office right before the regular season begins.
Teams are constantly hunting for premium pitching depth.
Angel Bastardo (Age 23, Signed as international free agent in 2018 by Boston Red Sox) already knows the exact culture of this club.
He has been grinding fiercely through his complex rehab process and recently flashed his lively arm down in Florida.
He posted a 0-0 record and a 4.70 ERA with 5 strikeouts across limited spring action against major league talent.
The minor league coaching staff knows his precise throwing mechanics and exactly how to maximize his massive ceiling.
Boston gains a powerful weapon for the future
The relief in the fanbase is totally palpable today because we finally caught a massive break with our pitching depth.
His explosive fastball regularly touches the upper nineties and completely overpowers opposing hitters in tight spots.
He perfectly complements the raw heat with a devastating changeup that makes batters look utterly foolish at the plate.
Recovering from elbow surgery is a rigorous journey that tests the ultimate mental toughness of any young athlete.
Giving him the required time to fully heal in familiar surroundings is the absolute smartest path forward.
They can slowly stretch him back out as a traditional starter or unleash him as a high-leverage bullpen piece.
The front office did not even have to surrender a single prospect to make this incredible reunion happen.
Adding premium talent without sacrificing an active roster spot is exactly how smart organizations stay competitive.
The minor league system just got significantly deeper today.
Get ready to watch this resilient kid light up the radar gun at Fenway Park very soon.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
Bo Bichette addresses rumors of leaving Mets as opt-out decision nears
Bo Bichette addresses rumors of leaving Mets as opt-out decision nears
| POLL | ||
MARS 24|208 ANSWERS Why the Blue Jays Let This Pitcher Go to the Red Sox Will Angel Bastardo become a dominant force in the Boston bullpen this season? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 36.1 % |
| No | 133 | 63.9 % |
| List of polls | ||