Hatch makes 3rd rehab appearance with Triple-A Jays

TRENTON » Thomas Hatch could be heading back to the Blue Jays soon.

The 26-year-old right-hander made his third rehab appearance with the Bisons on Friday night, tossing two-plus innings against Scranton.

Hatch left the game in the top of the third inning after allowing a leadoff double on an eight-pitch atbat by Andrew Velazquez. He also walked one, hit a batter and struck out three. He threw 31 of 51 pitches for strikes.

A third-round pick of the Cubs in 2016, Hatch settled in after a 30-pitch first inning by inducing a groundout and striking out two hitters swinging in the second inning.

Chicago traded the Oklahoma State product to the Blue Jays in 2019 for David Phelps, who returned to Toronto on a one-year deal in February but is out for the season with a right lat strain.

Hatch has been on the 60-day injured list since April 22 with a right elbow impingement. He burst onto the major-league scene last season as a reliever, pitching to a 2.73 ERA in 17 appearances (26.1 innings).

Biggio Back Up

Before the game, Blue Jays third baseman Cavan Biggio was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Biggio rehabbed for three games with the Bisons, batting 1-for-11 with a solo home run. He walked once and struck out three times.

To make room on Toronto’s roster, third baseman Santiago Espinal was optioned to Triple-A.

The 26-year-old has a .256/.296/.331 hitting line in two seasons (60 games) with the Blue Jays. He last played for the Bisons in 2019.