Blue Jays cut ties with quirky 3.19 ERA pitcher
Blue Jays cut ties with quirky 3.19 ERA pitcher originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Toronto Blue Jays have cleared a spot on their 40-man roster with their latest decision.
They've outrighted Nick Sandlin off the 40-man roster, according to MLB.com . That allows Sandlin to elect free agency.
Sandlin is a right-handed reliever who throws with a quirky sidewinding delivery.
The Blue Jays traded for Sandlin last winter in the same deal that brought Andres Gimenez to Toronto.
Sandlin had put up a 3.27 ERA in Cleveland .
This season, Sandlin only threw 16.1 innings, giving up four earned runs, lowering his career ERA to 3.19.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani joins Barry Bonds in MVP history
Injuries limited Sandlin. He had a lat strain, then elbow inflammation. He couldn't come back from the second ailment.
Sandlin would've gotten a couple million dollars in arbitration, most likely.
He cleared waivers, though, suggesting no team wanted to pay him that amount.
Sandlin will likely have to settle for a prove-it contract in free agency. It'd make sense to see him get a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training.
The unique pitching motion for Sandlin makes him a bit different than most relievers. If a team wants a guy who presents a different look than anyone in their bullpen, Sandlin is that guy.
Toronto could even choose to bring him back for cheaper, although it's not clear if that's in play.
