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Blue Jays Recall Lazaro Estrada as Brendon Little Goes on Paternity Leave
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- Blue Jays Recall Lazaro Estrada as Brendon Little Goes on Paternity Leave
The Toronto Blue Jays made a bullpen move Thursday after extending their winning streak to three games with another victory over the Boston Red Sox .
The club recalled right-hander Lazaro Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo while placing left-hander Brendon Little on the paternity list, according to the team's official announcement.
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The move comes after Toronto secured a 5-3 win Wednesday at Rogers Centre, completing a series victory over Boston thanks to a five-run eighth inning. Little is expected to be away from the club for the birth of his child, opening a temporary roster spot for Estrada.
Estrada rejoins the major league roster just days after being optioned to Buffalo on Aug. 10. He has appeared in seven games for Toronto this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.50 ERA over 12 innings while recording eight strikeouts and a 1.25 WHIP.
The Blue Jays announced the transaction on social media Thursday morning, confirming Estrada's return from Triple-A and Little's placement on the paternity list as the club prepares for the series finale against Boston.
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Estrada's most recent appearance with Toronto came Aug. 9 against the Philadelphia Phillies , when he allowed one earned run on three hits and a walk while recording one out. Despite the brief setback, the Blue Jays have turned back to the right-hander to reinforce the bullpen during Little's absence.
Little has pitched in 16 games this season, compiling a 0-3 record with a 9.98 ERA across 15 1/3 innings. He struck out the lone batter he faced during Wednesday's victory before the Blue Jays announced he would step away from the team on paternity leave.
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Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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Toronto enters Thursday riding a three-game winning streak but remains fourth in the American League East with a 59-63 record. The Blue Jays trail the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays by 16 games, with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox also ahead in the standings.
The roster move gives Toronto another fresh arm as it looks to finish its series against Boston on a high note before continuing its push through the final stretch of the season.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
