The Blue Jays’ bullpen is about to get a shot in the arm.
The Jays have acquired reliever Jason Grilli from the Atlanta Braves, various reports indicated on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old right-handed Grilli will join a beleaguered Jays bullpen that is 16th in the majors with a 3.89 earned-run average.
Grilli has appeared in 21 games in 2016, compiling a 1-2 record with two saves. He has pitched 17 innings, striking out 23. Grilli has given up 16 hits, walked 13 batters and has a 5.29 ERA.
Going to Atlanta in the trade would be pitcher Sean Ratcliffe, an 18th-round pick by the Jays in the 2013 draft.
Before the trade became public knowledge, Jays manager John Gibbons was asked if he planned to stick with an eight-man bullpen.
“Hopefully not too long,” Gibbons said prior to the Jays’ home game against the New York Yankees. “We have an off-day Thursday, so that will help.”