Blue Jays: Alford designated for assignment during doubleheader sweep
Anthony Alford’s time with the Blue Jays might be coming to an end.
Once a highly touted prospect, the outfielder was designated for assignment following Toronto’s 3-2 victory over the Phillies in the opener of Thursday’s doubleheader sweep. Alford’s departure created room for right-hander Trent Thornton, who was activated from the 10-day injured list and allowed five runs in the Game 2 start.
The move seemed inevitable for several months, but the timing still came as a surprise. Prior to Game 1, the Jays recalled outfielder Billy McKinney from their training site in Rochester, N.Y. and he will move into Alford’s backup outfielder role.
The 26-year-old Alford needs to clear waivers to remain in the organization. That might be easier than it was a couple weeks ago, when a coronavirus outbreak forced the Miami Marlins to add almost every player on the wire, but Alford’s previous status as a top prospect could be enough for a team to take a flyer on his comeback.
The addition of Alford was considered a major coup for the Jays organization when he was taken in the third round of the 2012 MLB draft. At the time, Alford was committed to pursuing a career in football, but former general manager Alex Anthopoulos’ team convinced Alford to sign while granting him permission to play for the University of South Mississippi.
Alford’s college football career proved to be short-lived, and by 2014 he turned to baseball full time. However, the lost development years combined with injuries meant he never turned into the five-tool talent he was considered to be. As a player who was out of minor-league options, Alford had to remain on the active roster to avoid being exposed to waivers.
In 2016, Alford was considered the 25th-best prospect in the game by Baseball America. This season, he likely only managed to crack the opening day roster because new rules stated teams would be allowed to carry an extra player. Alford appeared in 13 games for Toronto this season, but most of that work was limited to pinch running and late-inning defensive replacements.