Matt

Wisler

Wisler becomes the latest reclamation project for the Blue Jays just a few days after being released from his minor league contract with the Tigers. The 30-year-old righty has yet to pitch in the majors this season, but posted a stellar 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 35/14 K/BB ratio across 44 innings (39 appearances, five starts) last season for the division-rival Rays. He could wind up being a factor for Toronto’s relief mix in the final few weeks of the year.

Wisler inked a minor league contract with the Tigers this spring. The 30-year-old posted a 4.40 ERA with a 53/26 K/BB ratio over 47 innings (39 appearances) at Triple-A Toledo.

Wisler has strong odds to make the Tigers’ Opening Day roster after the club made several notable offseason subtractions, including Gregory Soto, Joe Jiménez and Andrew Chafin, from last year’s relief mix. The 30-year-old righty excelled over the last two seasons with the Rays, compiling a stellar 2.21 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 71/19 K/BB ratio across 73 1/3 innings (66 appearances, five starts). He’s a nice depth addition for the Tigers and figures to pitch in some high-leverage spots this season, if he makes the club.

The 29-year-old hurler had been designated for assignment by the Rays on Monday. He passed through waivers unclaimed and refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Durham, instead opting to explore his options on the open market. He has registered a terrific 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 35/14 K/BB ratio over 44 innings on the year, so it’s a bit surprising that there were no waiver claims in on him.

Wisler was a central component of the Rays’ elite bullpen last year, but has been limited to 39 appearances (five starts) this season due to injury. The 29-year-old right-hander has compiled a strong 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 35/14 K/BB ratio across 44 innings this season. There should be some interest on waivers, but he would be ineligible for the postseason, if scooped up by another organization.

Wisler will be back in the Tampa Bay bullpen on Friday against the visiting Yankees after missing around five weeks because of a neck strain. He’s posted a shiny 2.36 ERA in 42 major league innings this year.

Wisler scattered one hit and threw just eight pitches (six strikes) in a scoreless frame as he works his way back from a neck strain and figures to rejoin the Rays’ bullpen sometime this week, barring another setback.

Wisler had a setback with his neck strain earlier this month but appears to be back on track. He’s been sidelined since late July.

Wisler has been out since mid-July due to a neck strain and there isn’t a clear timetable for his return to the Rays’ bullpen at the moment.

Wisler becomes the 11th pitcher and 17th player on the injured list for the Rays. The setup man has a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings this year. Ryan Thompson and Pete Fairbanks should get more work in close games for now.