Blue Jays Shift Pitchers Urena Free Agent, Lucas Recalled Amid Roster Changes

The Toronto Blue Jays have designated veteran right-handed pitcher Jose Urena for assignment after he posted a 3.65 ERA over 12 1/3 innings with the team, despite concerns about his strikeout rate and home runs allowed. Urena, who joined the Blue Jays after starting the season with the New York Mets, elected free agency following his designation and has since signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who plan to use him for their upcoming game against the New York Mets. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays recalled left-handed pitcher Easton Lucas from Triple-A Buffalo, despite his struggles reflected in a 7.41 ERA across 17 MLB innings. Additionally, former Blue Jays pitcher Julian Merryweather was released by the Chicago Cubs and may potentially return to Toronto given his strong start to the season, which included a 1.74 ERA over 10.1 innings. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners activated starting pitcher Bryce Miller off the injured list; Miller has struggled with right elbow inflammation and a bone spur but hopes to regain his strong second-half 2024 form. These roster changes highlight ongoing adjustments by MLB teams as they manage pitching staffs amid injuries and performance fluctuations.