The Blue Jays could use some pitching help, and some could be on the way soon.
On Wednesday, Yariel Rodriguez made his fourth rehab appearance with triple-A Buffalo as he works back from thoracic spine inflammation.
The 27-year-old Cuban threw 43 pitches — the exact same total as his last outing — allowing zero hits, one walk and striking out four. Rodriguez entered at the start of the second inning and retired nine of the 10 batters he faced before being pulled at the end of the fourth.
Rodriguez’s return could provide a much-needed boost to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff as they are currently without a lengthened fifth starter due to the injury to Alek Manoah.
In Tuesday’s game, Trevor Richards started against the Baltimore Orioles and pitched two stellar innings before giving way to the recently activated Bowden Francis who struggled.
Signed to a five-year, $32-million contract by the Blue Jays in the off-season, Rodriguez made four starts with the MLB club before his injury, posting a 4.11 ERA over 15.1 innings with 16 strikeouts.