Jays designate Storen with no relief in sight

When the Blue Jays traded speedy outfielder Ben Revere to the Washington Nationals this past off-season for Drew Storen, they thought they were acquiring a pitcher who would play a significant role in the back end of their bullpen.

As it turned out, he was a key reason why the bullpen has been the team’s biggest weakness.

His average fastball velocity declined by about two m.p.h. and opposing batters teed off on him with regularity. Storen’s rate of home runs allowed was nearly triple what it was over six years in Washington, while he also allowed an average of four more hits per nine innings.

In short, his tenure in Toronto has been disastrous and it ended Sunday — before the bullpen closed out a 2-0 win over the Mariners — in even more ignominious fashion as the Jays designated Storen for assignment. The 28-year-old, whose ERA sits at 6.21, must be traded, placed on waivers or released within the next 10 days.

After saying goodbye to some teammates Sunday morning, Storen initially told the Star he would speak about the decision. But as more reporters gathered, he changed his mind.

General manager Ross Atkins called it a “difficult decision.” Atkins’ explanation, however, was simple: “It got to the point where we had better alternatives, really.”

Storen competed for the closer’s role in spring training this year, but lost the job to Roberto Osuna. Then he lost the setup role and continued to fall further down the depth chart as manager John Gibbons could no longer trust him in highleverage situations.

“I loved the trade when it was made,” Gibbons said after Sunday’s win over Seattle. “You look at his bubble-gum card, it’s a pretty damn good one. There’s not a lot of guys who can match (his career stats). But it was one of those years it never really clicked.”

“I loved the trade when it was made. You look at his bubble-gum card, it’s a pretty damn good one.” JAYS MANAGER JOHN GIBBONS ON RELIEVER DREW STOREN