Blue Jays recall Mayza, demote Campos, release Cole

The Toronto Blue Jays recalled left-handed reliever Tim Mayza on Monday. Photo Credit: Jay Blue

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO - In advance of what could turn out to be an impactful four-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Toronto Blue Jays made their third roster move in as many days by selecting the contract of left-handed reliever Tim Mayza from triple-A Buffalo on Monday.

In order to complete the transaction, Leonel Campos has been optioned back to triple-A and Taylor Cole was released unconditionally.

Mayza, 25, has recorded an ERA of 3.25 with 58 strikeouts and 22 walks through 52 2/3 innings split between double-A New Hampshire and Buffalo in 2017.

Selected by Toronto in the 12th round of the 2013 draft, the native of Allentown, Penn., owns a cumulative ERA of 3.91 along with a K/9 of 9.2 and a WHIP of 1.469 through 137 minor league games.

Although his impressive Grapefruit League showcase didn't translate into immediate success with the Fisher Cats in 2017, the 6-foot-3 hurler has been continually trending upward since being promoted from double-A. Over his last 10 games with the triple-A Bisons, Mayza has allowed two earned runs through 18 innings pitched, striking out 15 and issuing six walks.

After surrendering a pair of walks in the Blue Jays' 7-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, Campos winds up back in Buffalo for a fifth time in 2017.

Cole, who spent parts of seven seasons in the Blue Jays minor league system, pitched in just one major league game prior to his release. In all, the 27-year-old reliever allowed four earned runs on six hits while recording only three outs over 41 pitches.

With Mayza in the mix, Toronto currently employs four left-handed relievers in its bullpen.

As a team, the Rays have hit .237 off southpaws this season -- good for the fourth lowest average in the American League.

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