John Axford on potential Blue Jays return: ‘That’s where I want to be’

Toronto-Blue-Jays-pitcher-John-Axford-pitches-at-Spring-Training-in-Dunedin,-Fla.-on-Thursday,-February-15,-2018.-(Frank-Gunn/CP)

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher John Axford pitches at Spring Training. (Frank Gunn/CP)

Canadian reliever John Axford has made his desire to return to the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2019 season known.

Axford said on Saturday he enjoyed playing in Toronto prior to being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of last season’s non-waiver trade deadline.

The 35-year-old also cited his desire to mentor the Blue Jays young pitching staff and to be in close proximity to his family as reasons he wants to return.

The veteran appeared in 45 games for the Blue Jays in 2018 prior to being traded, compiling a 4-1 record, 4.41 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 51 innings of work.

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