Blue Jays release Tim Mayza after reliever was designated for assignment

Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi discuss Toronto Blue Jays reliever Tim Mayza being designated for assignment, including how the Blue Jays ran out of options to keep Mayza in the organization amidst a down season for the bullpen.

After being designated for assignment last week, Tim Mayza cleared waivers and was released by the Toronto Blue Jays Friday, according to the MLB transaction log.

The Blue Jays will be charged with paying his entire $3.59 million salary.

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Mayza struggled to replicate his stellar form from last season for Toronto, which earned him high-leverage outings throughout the 2023 campaign. His ERA ballooned throughout his final five outings with the Blue Jays, rising to nearly 25 over a tough four-inning stretch for the 32-year-old.

For the season, the southpaw carried an 8.03 ERA over 24.2 innings.

“It comes down to performance,” manager John Schneider said after Mayza was designated for assignment. “It’s tough for Timmy. He’s been here for such a long time, been such a big part of our bullpen and our team.

“(It’s) been a rough year for him, so hopefully, a change of scenery is good for him, as much as we hate seeing him go.”

Originally selected by the Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2013 draft, Mayza pitched with Toronto for parts of seven seasons, racking up 283.2 innings with a 3.87 ERA and 292 strikeouts.

Now a free agent, Mayza will look to catch on with another MLB franchise.

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