Blue Jays: Ngoepe claimed, Refsnyder axed ahead of Rule 5 draft deadline
The Blue Jays’ 40-man roster took a few turns ahead of Monday night’s deadline to protect players from MLB’s Rule 5 draft.
Gift Ngoepe, a South African infielder, was claimed from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Right-handed pitcher Chris Rowley, who started three games for Toronto in August before returning as a September call-up, and right fielder Harold Ramirez, ranked the club’s No. 29 prospect by MLBpipeline.com, were outrighted off the 40-man roster. And out goes utilityman Rob Refsnyder, who played 32 games in a Toronto uniform after the Blue Jays traded for the utility player in late July. He was later claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians.
Right-handers Leonel Campos, Taylor Cole and Luis Santos as well as catcher Raffi Lopez were cut loose earlier this month.
With a handful of roster spots opened up, the Jays added pitchers Conner Greene and Tom Pannone, catchers Dan Jansen and Reese McGuire plus first baseman Rowdy Tellez, making them exempt from the Dec. 14 Rule 5 selection process.
Ngoepe (pronounced n-GO-pay) became the first African-born big leaguer when he made his debut for the Pirates in late April. The 27-yearold, who was signed by the club in September 2008, featured in 28 games for the Pirates between his debut and the end of May, spending most of his time at second base while also making appearances at shortstop and third base. He slashed .222/.323/.296 during the stint. Also on Monday: The Yankees raised their available signing bonus money in pursuit of Japanese star Shohei Otani to $3.5 million U.S., acquiring $250,000 in pool money from the Miami Marlins in exchange for left-hander Caleb Smith and first baseman Garrett Cooper. Only the Texas Rangers ($3,535,000) can offer Ohtani a larger signing bonus.
Talks to set the maximum posting fee to acquire Otani’s rights from Japan’s Nippon Ham Fighters were extended until 8 p.m. Tuesday. It’s expected bids will be capped at $20 million (U.S.). Any MLB club willing to pay that amount would be able to talk contract directly with Otani for 30 days.
With files from Star wire services