2026 Transactions: Blue Jays Roster Changes, Fairbanks on Leave

Thanks to doubleheaders over the past few days and some shaky early-season performances, there were plenty of roster moves on Easter across MLB. Most notably, the Blue Jays added two new relievers to their bullpen.

Blue Jays shake up bullpen

The Blue Jays selected the contracts of Joe Mantiply and Austin Voth on April 5. Lazaro Estrada and Brendon Little were optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Both Mantiply and Voth pitched in relief for the Jays on the 5th.

The two started the year in Triple-A, trying to work their way back to the Majors. Voth pitched last year with the Chiba Lotte Marines in the NPB. Mantiply re-signed with Toronto this past March after he split last year between the D-Backs and Blue Jays’ organizations.

Little, who was a valuable pitcher for the Blue Jays last season, entered play on April 5 with a 22.45 ERA, second-worst in the Majors among relievers with three or more appearances heading into the day (Kevin Kelly had the worst, with a 27.00 ERA). He gave up three home runs, tied for the most in the Majors among relievers, before the demotion.

Fairbanks to paternity leave

Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks received a rare start on April 5, thanks to the lengthy rain delay at Yankee Stadium.

The reason why the Marlins did that is that Fairbanks will go on paternity leave. Thus, the Marlins gave Fairbanks his inning early, which allowed him to leave ahead of the team for the pending birth of his child.

Dodgers recall Kim

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled infielder Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Kim, who batted .346 before the promotion for the Comets, replaces an injured Mookie Betts on the Los Angeles roster.

Other moves

Logan Allen (Guardians), Tanner Murray (White Sox), Luis Curvelo (Rangers), Christian Roa (Astros), Billy Cook (Pirates), Garrett Acton (Twins), Ethan Roberts (Cubs), and Cade Povich (Orioles) were recalled from the Minors.

Logan Henderson (Brewers), Chris Roycroft (Cardinals), and Zak Kent (Twins) were optioned to Triple-A.

The Cardinals selected the contract of former White Sox pitcher Jared Shuster from Triple-A.

Joey Lucchesi (Angels) and Nick Raquet (Cardinals) were designated for assignment by their respective teams.

The Diamondbacks outrighted pitcher Joe Ross to Triple-A Reno.