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News: Blue Jays Drop Shocking Bombshell: Wes Parsons Designated for Assignment
The Blue Jays announced on Friday that they have designated right-hander Wes Parsons for assignment and chosen the contract of right-hander Paolo Espino from Triple-A Buffalo.
Following a two-year stint in the Korea Baseball Organization, Parsons, 31, has played for the Jays for the last two seasons. From a single start in October of last year, he has made just three MLB outings with Toronto, totaling just nine innings. The outcomes are not very pleasing. In that spot start against the Rays, Parsons allowed nine runs to be scored in four innings, and in five innings of relief this season, he has allowed another six runs to be scored. He has pitched nine innings and given up 15 runs overall on 16 hits, five walks, and five strikeouts.
Notwithstanding his lackluster performance, Parsons pitched well for the Jays’ Triple-A affiliate in 2023, throwing 81 2/3 innings during 17 starts with a 4.52 ERA, 27.6% strikeout rate, and 12% walk rate. He was also productive for the NC Dinos of the KBO, recording 32 starts, a 3.68 ERA, and over 25% of his opponents struck out. Parsons has demonstrated five pitches in his brief time with Toronto: a four-seamer, two-seamer, curveball, slider, and changeup. His four-seamer has an average velocity of 94.7 mph, while his sinker is averaging 93.5 mph. Within the next week, the right-hander, who is in his final minor league option year, will be dealt, put on outright waivers, or dismissed.
Espino, 37, played for the Nationals organization from 2020 to 2023, alternating between starting and relief duties as well as stints in Triple-A and the major leagues. Pitching 233 innings in the major leagues for the Nats, he finished with a 4.91 ERA, a below-average 19.5% strikeout rate, and an outstanding 5.4% walk rate.
With a fastball that reaches speeds of only 88–89 mph, Espino’s severe fly-ball inclinations make him a difficult match in the American League East. Despite this, he had an outstanding 17 innings in spring training with a 2.65 ERA, 36.4% strikeout rate, and 3% walk rate. He was given a look by the Jays after that outstanding performance, and he can now lengthen their bullpen in the case of a a hurried beginning or an excessively intense game.
