Blue Jays activate Thornton, designate Alford, Pearson to 10-day injured list

The Toronto Blue Jays designated outfielder Anthony Alford for assignment on Thursday. Photo: J.P. Antonacci

August 20, 2020

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays activated Trent Thronton off the 10-day Injured List on Thursday, designating OF Anthony Alford for assignment in order to clear a roster spot for the right-handed hurler.

Sidelined with right shoulder inflammation on August, the 6-foot product of Charlotte, N.C. appeared in one game prior to being shut down earlier this month, allowing a run on eight hits while striking out three over four innings in a start against Washington on July 27.

Through 33 appearances with Toronto dating back to March of 2019, the former fifth-round draft pick has gone 6-9 with a cumulative ERA of 4.77 across 158 1/3 innings. His 149 strikeouts led all American League rookies last season, while his 29 starts were the most by a Blue Jays rookie since Ricky Romero in 2009.

In 46 games since making his big-league debut in 2017, Alford slashed .155/.200/.254 with five home runs and six stolen bases in as many attempts. A third-round draft pick in 2012, the former football standout appeared in under 300 minor league contests before getting the call to the Show, and has yet to realize the full potential of his plus speed and general athleticism.

Out of options on his contract, Alford is now available to any big league team interested in keeping the 25-year-old on their active roster.

Pearson to 10-day IL

Hours removed from allowing five earned runs on four hits in a Blue Jays comeback win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, top pitching prospect Nate Pearson was placed on the 10-day injured list as a result of feeling tightness in his right elbow.

In a corresponding move, RHP Jacob Waguespack was recalled from the team's taxi squad.

Averaging 95.9 mph on his fastball during Tuesday's start, Pearson didn't appear to be experiencing any physical discomfort on the mound. Instead, he seemed frustrated by a general lack of command, one that resulted in three free passes, and a trio of home runs off him.

Through 16 1/3 innings in his rookie campaign, Pearson has posted a cumulative ERA of 8.27 with a WHIP of 1.531. The five homers allowed is more than half of the number of home runs he allowed across 123 1/3minor league frames leading into 2020, while his BB/9 checks in at 6.6 compared to the 2.3 figure he posted prior to his big-league debut.

The Odessa, Fla., native had an MRI on Thursday morning, the results of which have yet to be released by team management. Ahead of a twin bill against the Philadelphia Phillies, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said the club isn't overly concerned with Pearson's situation.

- Follow Andrew Hendriks on Twitter (@77hendriks)