Loup rejoins Blue Jays from family matter
Lefty arrives before Game 1, induces key double play in sixth
KANSAS CITY -- Aaron Loup returned to the Blue Jays on Friday afternoon following a brief absence because of a personal family matter.
The left-hander missed Games 4 and 5 of Toronto's American League Division Series against Texas, but he arrived in Kansas City on Friday morning. He was active for the AL Championship Series against the Royals, and induced an inning-ending double play against the lone batter he faced in the sixth of Kansas City's 5-0 victory.
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With one out and runners on the corners, Loup entered in relief of starter Marco Estrada to face lefty-swinging Mike Moustakas. Second baseman Ryan Goins ranged to his right to field a grounder off Moustakas' bat and made a nifty glove flip to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who barehanded the toss, stepped on second and completed the double play to keep the score at 3-0.
Loup is Toronto's lone left-hander available out of the bullpen for the ALCS. Brett Cecil is out until at least the World Series because of a torn calf muscle in his left leg. Loup made two appearances in the ALDS and retired all three batters he faced.
"Yeah, that's why he's here," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said, when asked if Loup would be available to pitch before Game 1.
Loup went 2-5 with a 4.46 ERA over 42 1/3 innings for Toronto this season. He is expected to be used exclusively against left-handed hitters during the series against Kansas City.