By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO -- In what will likely go down as the Toronto Blue Jays' final roster transaction of 2018, the team acquired left-hander Clayton Richard and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Canadian outfield prospect Connor Panas.

A sinkerballer by trade, Richard, 35, has appeared in parts of 10 Major League seasons since breaking in with the Chicago White Sox in 2008, amassing a career ERA of 4.46 while posting a WHIP of 1.424 through 1239 1/3 innings of work.

In 27 starts with the Padres last season, the 6-foot-5 product of Lafayette, Ind., went 7-11 with an ERA of 5.11. He also allowed one of the highest average exit velocities (89.6 MPH) among all National League starters.

With all but two of his 70 appearances over the last three seasons coming out of a starting rotation, Richard should emerge as a reliable rotation option beside established hurlers Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez and Matt Shoemaker in 2019.

A native of Toronto, Panas slashed .251/.338/.424 through four seasons in the Blue Jays system, the latest of which was spent with the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

To clear a spot on Toronto's 40-man roster for Richard, right-hander Oliver Drake was designated for assignment.

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