2026 Transactions: Blue Jays Claim Sewald, Mariners Sign Effross

Paul Sewald quickly found a new home. Days after he was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks, the Blue Jays claimed the veteran reliever off waivers.

Sewald claimed by Toronto

The Blue Jays claimed Paul Sewald off waivers from the Diamondbacks.

As noted earlier in the week, Sewald was cut from the Arizona 40-man roster after he was DFA’d by the club. Sewald worked much of 2026 as the Diamondbacks’ closer but ran into trouble once July hit.

Effross to Seattle

The Mariners signed Scott Effross to a Minor League deal.

Up until early August, the 32-year-old was in the Tigers organization. He signed with Detroit on a Minor League pact in December 2025 and pitched in 27 contests for the Toledo Mud Hens. The ex-Yankee struck out 26 over 36 innings and posted a 4.46 ERA for Toledo.

Effross was assigned to Triple-A Tacoma.

Recalls & options

Hayden Juenger (Athletics), Landon Knack (Dodgers), Jake Bloss (Blue Jays), Adeal Amador (Rockies), and Alec Gamboa (Red Sox) were recalled from the Minors. Bloss was placed on the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man roster spot.

Seth Halvorsen (Dodgers), Jeff Criswell (Rockies), Yunior Tur (Athletics), David Morgan (Padres), and Yilber Diaz (Tigers) were optioned to the Minors.

Other notes

To close out the Adley Rutschman trade, the Orioles received 18-year-old outfielder Harold Rivas from the Red Sox. Rivas slashed .241/.343/.429 with six home runs and 16 extra-base hits over 46 games for the FCL Red Sox this season.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the club designated Seth Martinez for assignment.

The Tigers selected outfielder Corey Julks from Triple-A. Reliever Troy Watson was designated for assignment by Detroit.

Seattle claimed catcher Willie MacIver from the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Athletics sent infielder Jonathan Ornelas outright to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Lastly, the Nationals designated Miles Mikolas for assignment, a move that cleared a roster spot for Jackson Kent. Find out more about him, plus our other MLB coverage.