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By Shaun McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Toronto Blue Jays are giving a former All-Star another shot at the big leagues after a disastrous 2025 season.
The Blue Jays improved their bullpen this offseason signing 35-year-old reliever Tyler Rogers, who led the National League with 81 games played while posting a blistering 1.98 ERA. Though Toronto's bullpen should be better this season, especially if Jeff Hoffman can have a rebound year, the team could use another solid left-handed reliever in the bullpen.
The Blue Jays addressed their need for a high-leverage lefty in the bullpen by signing 35-year-old former All-Star Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract on Tuesday with an invite to spring training, according to his official transactions log.
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Mantiply spent the majority of the past six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but after struggling immensely with a bloated 15.83 ERA in just 9 2/3 innings pitched last season, he was designated for assignment. The former All-Star closed out the year in Toronto's farm system, making 14 appearances with the Buffalo Bisons in triple-A, but never cracked the big league roster.
Though Mantiply struggled last season for the Diamondbacks, he is only one year removed from posting a 3.92 ERA in 75 appearances. The left-handed reliever also seemed to return to form playing in Toronto's farm system despite limited action.
The Blue Jays proved that age is not much of a factor to them this spring when they brought back 41-year-old pitcher Max Scherzer on a one-year deal, and could use a consistent lefty reliever in the bullpen. Mantiply has the opportunity to carve out a role for himself this spring if the 35-year-old can fully return to form.
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