2017 Toronto Blue Jays Season Review: Lucas Harrell

Right-hander Lucas Harrell appeared in four games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017.

By Jay Blue

Blue Jays from Away

Now that the season is over, the crew at Blue Jays from Away will take a look at the Blue Jays one by one and review how each player’s season went, whether he met expectations (or not) and look at how he fits into (what we think of) the Blue Jays’ plans going forward.

Now 32, Lucas Harrell had appeared in at least part of six major league seasons prior to signing a minor league deal with the Blue Jays in the 2016-17 off-season. Signed as minor league depth, Harrell started on the disabled list after pitching seven times (for eight innings) in big league spring training. Harrell was hit fairly hard, giving up eight earned runs on 14 hits with four walks and six strikeouts.

Harrell got into game action in the regular season by making two rehab starts with the Dunedin Blue Jays, giving up two runs in 6 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking two before making his debut with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on June 10. Harrell had four solid starts with Buffalo, starting with two five-inning outings in which he didn't allow a run.

After those four games, he got called up to Toronto, coming out of the bullpen four times and giving up five runs over 6 1/3 innings for a 7.11 ERA and 2.21 WHIP, walking four and striking out six.

Sent back to Buffalo, Harrell made three more appearances before he was shut down for the year, giving up just two runs in nine innings, striking out nine and walking five.

Harrell is now a free agent and will be looking to sign on with a club to provide depth but I don't think he's in the Blue Jays' plans for 2018.

Contract Status

Harrell was granted free agency after the season.

2017 Regular Season Grades

Jay Blue: Incomplete

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The 2017 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook is now available! Visit the Handbook page for more information!