Blue Jays sign lefty Brett Oberholtzer; Desmond cashes in with Rockies
The Blue Jays signed left-hander Brett Oberholtzer to a minor-league contract on Wednesday.
He is expected to start the season at Triple-A Buffalo.
Oberholtzer, 27, had an off-year in 2016 playing for the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia. In 37 games, with two starts, he was 3-3 with a 5.89 ERA. In four major-league seasons, he is 14-23 with a 4.36 ERA.
FULL CIRCLE: In 2014, the Jays claimed Steve Pearce off waivers from the O’s, but he refused to report.
Later, after being in limbo, the utility man re-signed with the Orioles to replace an injured Chris Davis at first base. On Wednesday, the newest Blue Jay explained the unusual circumstances from two years ago.
“I loved the team down there,” Pearce said. “The opportunity just wasn’t there for me at the time. I sat down and had a meeting with Buck (Showalter) before he told me that I had to get released, and then just two days later Davis got hurt and there was no backup first baseman.
“It was nothing against the Blue Jays. I was familiar with Baltimore.
“I had played there for years and finally the opportunity opened up. That was the reason I chose to go back to Baltimore.”
BIG DEAL FOR DESMOND: All-star free agent outfielder Ian Desmond and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $70-million (U.S.), fiveyear contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
A versatile 31-year-old, Desmond hit .285 with 22 homers and 86 RBIs this year in his lone season with Texas, earning his first all-star berth since 2012.
CUBS ACQUIRE DAVIS: Wade Davis already had closed out a World Series, and that was part of his appeal for the Chicago Cubs.
In a trade between the past two champions, the Cubs acquired the all-star reliever from the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday for outfielder Jorge Soler. Davis immediately takes over the spot held by Aroldis Chapman, who became a free agent after the Cubs won their first title since 1908.
“Wade is going to pitch the ninth inning,” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said.
Davis has done well in the postseason and helped the Royals win the 2015 crown. The 31-year-old righty went 2-1 with 27 saves in 30 chances and a 1.87 ERA last season.
NATS PAY PRICE: The Washington Nationals made a deal with the Chicago White Sox for centrefielder Adam Eaton.
The price of Wednesday’s swap was steep: Washington parted with three young pitchers, including top prospect Lucas Giolito, hard-throwing Reynaldo Lopez and 2016 first-round draft pick Dane Dunning.