LHP Josh Fleming and RHP Austin Voth have both cleared waivers and elected free agency, the #BlueJays announce. This doesn't mean they can't still re-sign deals to return to AAA Buffalo and Toronto's org, though. We saw multiple players do that last year
Blue Jays: Austin Voth and Josh Fleming elect free agency after being DFA’d
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Apr 9, 2026, 17:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 9, 2026, 17:05 EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching depth took a hit on Thursday afternoon.
According to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, both Austin Voth and Josh Fleming clear waivers and elected free agency. This doesn’t rule out a potential return to the organisation, but as of Thursday afternoon, both are free agents.
Both pitchers ate some innings for the Blue Jays this past week, as their starting rotation has struggled to remain healthy. Lázaro Estrada, who was recently placed on the 7-day injured list in the minor leagues, was optioned, with the Blue Jays calling up Voth to eat some innings.
After Eric Lauer went just 2+ innings in his most recent start on Sunday, Voth pitched two and two-third innings, giving up an earned run. This season, he has a 3.38 ERA and 3.55 FIP in those limited innings.
The following day, Voth was designated for assignment, with Fleming being called up to eat some innings. Max Scherzer went just two innings in the series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Fleming giving up four earned runs in his three innings of work, as the Jays lost 14-2. Fleming has a season ERA of 12, with a 9.84 FIP.
Both pitchers have found success at the big league level, with Fleming posting a 2.78 ERA in his rookie season and a 4.02 ERA in his 2024 season. Voth spent the 2025 season in Japan as a starter, but was solid for the Seattle Mariners in 2024, where he had a 3.69 ERA and 4.12 FIP in 61 innings pitched.
Neither outing was particularly great, but if they sign elsewhere, that limits the Blue Jays’ depth. With Estrada also out of action for at least a week, if the Blue Jays need length out of their bullpen, their best option on the 40-man roster is Adam Macko. The left-handed pitcher has appeared in four Triple-A games this season and hasn’t given up a run.
We’ll see if the Blue Jays look to bring in another starter just in case, similar to what they did with Patrick Corbin.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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