Michael Petersen claimed by Angels

Petersen never pitched for the Blue Jays, as they claimed him off waivers from the Miami Marlins shortly after the season ended. The 6’7” right-handed pitcher’s season was a mixed bag. With the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Triple-A team, he posted a great 1.64 ERA and a 2.29 FIP in 33 innings pitched with a 35.2 K% and a 6.4 BB%.

However, Petersen struggled in the big leagues, splitting his time between the Dodgers and the Marlins. With the Dodgers, he had a 6.43 ERA and a 6.31 FIP in 14 innings pitched with a 17.2 K% and a 12.5 BB%. After being claimed by the Marlins, Petersen pitched 5.2 innings with a 4.76 ERA and a 3.70 FIP, with an 11.5 BB% and K%.

He has an interesting profile, as the 30-year-old sat 97 mph with the heater. However, he was one of several depth relievers it made sense for the Blue Jays to designate for assignment. If they make any more moves that require a 40-man spot, Zach Pop, Tommy Nance, Easton Lucas, and Nick Robertson sit on the bubble.

Speaking of those four pitchers, they are the Blue Jays depth options this season. Both Pop and Nance don’t have option years remaining, but Lucas and Robertson will likely start with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Expect either Nance or Pop to fill the final spot in the bullpen.

All in all, the Blue Jays have drastically improved their bullpen this season. They added a closer in Nick Sandlin, brought back Yimi García, and traded for Nick Sandlin. Moreover, they signed left-handed pitcher Josh Walker to a contract around Christmas and he still has an option year remaining. Their depth is significantly better