Notes: Reid-Foley recalled; Fisher activated

The Blue Jays made a series of much-needed roster moves prior to Wednesday’s game at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y., against the Red Sox as they prepare to cover two bullpen games in the next three days.

Right-hander Sean Reid-Foley was recalled from the club’s alternate training site in Rochester, N.Y., and he will be available to pitch multiple innings, said manager Charlie Montoyo. The Blue Jays also activated outfielder Derek Fisher, who was on the injured list with a quad injury, which gives them another bench option after riding with just three outfielders recently.

In corresponding moves, Toronto optioned relievers Travis Bergen and Sam Gaviglio back to the alternate training site. The Blue Jays will need to make another move soon, as first baseman/designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach will likely complete his intake process and join the club in the next day or two after being acquired from the Mariners. But with so many moving pieces in the bullpen, that should line itself up naturally.

Pitching is the priority, though, and it goes beyond this week’s bullpen games, which Julian Merryweather will lead off on Wednesday night. Toronto will not have an off-day until Sept. 10, and three of its top starters are on the injured list: No. 1 prospect Nate Pearson, Matt Shoemaker and Trent Thornton.

Even when the Blue Jays’ rotation is healthy, it hasn’t been working deep into games. No starter has touched the seventh inning or 100 pitches yet, which could certainly change with Hyun Jin Ryu on Thursday, but it’s a trend that has put a great deal of pressure on a bullpen group that, for the most part, has even excellent.

Along with Reid-Foley, Shun Yamaguchi could push 50 pitches for Toronto; Anthony Kay, Thomas Hatch and Jacob Waguespack are also multi-inning options. It might not be a traditional approach, but Toronto has ways to fill innings.

The challenge now is finding a way to build up one or two of those young arms while still getting value from them in the bullpen. In a perfect world, the Blue Jays could have one build up with controlled starts in the Minor Leagues, but that isn’t an option in 2020. Using Kay as a hypothetical, coming off 47 pitches on Sunday, the ideal scenario would see him pitching Friday and going even deeper.

Don’t forget the Trade Deadline, either, which is on Monday. The Blue Jays are expected to be involved in the starting pitching market, and it’s clear why.

Espinal more valuable by the game
Santiago Espinal was the story of Summer Camp in Toronto, but the regular reps he’s been getting lately weren't necessarily expected. In Tuesday’s 9-7 loss to Boston, he showed that his versatility carries over to the plate, too, as he laid down a great bunt single on the same night he launched a double to the wall.

With Bo Bichette on the injured list, Espinal’s value is more clear than ever. He’s looked right at home at shortstop, but without Espinal, the Blue Jays would be rolling out Brandon Drury and Joe Panik more consistently, with very little organizational depth behind them. It’s easy to see why his coaches and managers rave about Espinal, too.

“I’m just thinking about doing my job every day,” Espinal said. “Wherever they want me to play, I’m there for it. I’m there to help the team and right now they have me at shortstop. That’s the best opportunity I have right now, and I’m just doing my job. I’m doing whatever I have to do to help the team win.”