The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in competing for a 2020 playoff spot and they made that clear this afternoon by bolstering its roster with two deals just before the deadline.
Just before 2PM, Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun reported that the Blue Jays acquired left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray, and cash considerations, from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for left-hander Travis Bergen. Moments later, The Athletic reported that Toronto had acquired switch-hitting infielder Jonathan Villar for outfielder Griffin Conine.
The news comes just days after the Blue Jays received first baseman Daniel Vogelbach and right-hander Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners in two separate deals.
Ray, has struggled this season. In seven starts, he’s posted a 7.84 ERA and has allowed 31 walks in 31 innings, but the Blue Jays are hoping they can help recreate Ray’s past success. In 2017, Ray was an All-Star for the Diamondbacks. He was 15-5, compiled a 2.89 ERA to go along with 218 strikeouts in 28 starts. He joins a staff that currently ranks fifth in Major League Baseball with a 3.73 ERA, 294 strikeouts and has a 1.31 WHIP.
Villar will provide some insurance at the shortstop position as Bo Bichette is still on the mend with a sprained knee. Villar has 31 hits, 9 RBIs, two homeruns and a .272 batting average and will provide some power to the top end of the Blue Jays lineup. Since Bichette’s injury, infielders Brandon Drury (.152), Joe Panik (.196) and Santiago Espinal (.270) have struggled at the plate.
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