The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed pitcher Emmanuel Ramírez off waivers from the Miami Marlins, as confirmed by both teams. Ramírez had been designated for assignment by the Marlins earlier in the week. The Blue Jays have since optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo and, to make room on the roster, designated fellow right-hander José Cuas for assignment.
Ramírez, 30, made his Major League debut with the Marlins this season but struggled, posting a 6.97 ERA over 20 2/3 innings in relief. However, his performance at Triple-A Jacksonville was much better, where he logged a 3.76 ERA with a 30.5% strikeout rate and 9.6% walk rate across 40 2/3 innings. His minor league numbers have been more consistent, as seen in his previous stints with the Yankees’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Ramírez primarily throws a 93.9 mph four-seam fastball, complemented by a splitter and a slider, forming a solid three-pitch mix.
Despite being 30 years old, Ramírez still has all of his minor league options available, making him a valuable depth piece for the Blue Jays. He could potentially remain in their system beyond this season if he performs well during the final weeks of regular-season play.
On the other hand, José Cuas, also 30, was claimed by the Blue Jays earlier this summer from the Chicago Cubs. He only pitched three innings at the Major League level with the Jays, allowing three earned runs. In Triple-A Buffalo, Cuas struggled significantly, giving up 12 runs in just 15 2/3 innings.
Cuas had previously been a reliable, though inconsistent, reliever from 2022 to 2023 with a 3.84 ERA over 103 innings for the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs. Kansas City traded him to the Cubs at the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for Nelson Velázquez. Despite decent results with the Cubs, Cuas’ high walk rate continued to be a concern. He has consistently walked over 12% of opposing batters throughout his Major League career and has also hit 3.2% of batters faced. In 2023, he posted a rough 7.71 ERA in 17 1/3 innings.
Cuas will now be available on waivers, where other teams can claim him. If unclaimed, the Blue Jays could potentially retain him in their minor league system as he still has a minor league option for future seasons.