Blue Jays sign reliever Luke Bard to minor-league deal, invite to spring training

February 11, 2023 - 10:48am

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Luke Bard throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles. (Terrance Williams/AP)

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed reliever Luke Bard to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

Bard pitched in nine games for the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees last season, posting a 1.80 ERA, eight strikeouts and a 0.93 WHIP across 15 innings. The 32-year-old also appeared in 28 games in Triple-A, posting a 4.29 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 35.2 innings.

The team also invited catcher Jamie Ritchie to spring training. The 29-year-old spent the 2022 season in Triple-A with Indianapolis slashing .242/.375/.283 with 11 RBI.

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