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Blue Jays option Bowden Francis to Triple-A, recall Brandon Eisert
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Photo credit: © Sergio Estrada - USA Today
Ryley Delaney
Jul 14, 2024, 13:30 EDTUpdated: Jul 14, 2024, 13:38 EDT
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Ahead of Sunday’s game, the Toronto Blue Jays made a move.
The Blue Jays optioned Bowden Francis to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons and recalled Brandon Eisert, the latter’s second stint with the Jays this season.
This was a pretty obvious move, as Francis hurled two innings in Saturday’s game, and with the upcoming All-Star break, there was no reason to have him on the roster. Moreover, Eisert was placed on the taxi squad on Saturday, meaning this could’ve been the plan from the start.
Francis looked great in 2023, posting a 1.73 ERA and a 3.86 FIP in 36.1 innings pitched, along with a 25.7 K% and a 5.9 BB% in a long relief role. Unfortunately, things haven’t quite gone that well in 2024, as he has a 5.82 ERA and a 5.34 FIP in 38.2 innings pitched, along with a drop in K% to 19.7%, while his BB% increased to 8.1%.
With that being said, since moving to the bullpen, Francis has a 3.54 ERA and a 4.63 FIP in 28 innings pitched, along with a 15.7 K% and a 6.6 BB%. Although he didn’t fill the need for a fifth starter, he’s been solid in relief.
The Blue Jays added Eisert to the 40-man roster in the middle of July, and he made his debut on June 17, pitching two innings with three walks and no strikeouts, but didn’t give up an earned run.
In a larger sample size with the Buffalo Bisons, the 26-year-old has a 5.17 ERA and a 3.99 FIP in 31.1 innings pitched, along with a 33.1 K% and a 12 BB%, the latter stat being uncharacteristic for the left-handed pitcher.
Removing his brutal opening day where he gave up seven earned runs in two thirds of an inning, Eisert has a 3.23 ERA and a 3.12 FIP in 30.2 innings pitched since April 5. Moreover, he has a 34.6 K% and a 12 BB%.
Eisert’s stint with the Blue Jays will likely be short, as Yimi García will likely come off the Injured List after the All-Star break. This move solely gives the Blue Jays an extra pitcher in their bullpen.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.

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