Cubs claim Anthony Kay off waivers from Blue Jays

The Chicago Cubs claimed left-hander Anthony Kay off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.

December 23, 2022

Official Chicago Cubs News Release

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have claimed left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.

To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Alfonso Rivas has been designated for assignment.

Kay, 27, has pitched to a 4-2 record with two holds and a 5.48 ERA (43 ER/70.2 IP) in 28 games (seven starts) in parts of four seasons with Toronto dating to 2019. He has struck out 77 batters, good for an average of 9.81 strikeouts per nine innings, with 38 walks and 10 home runs allowed.

The six-foot tall Kay missed a majority of the 2022 season with a left shoulder injury that saw him placed on triple-A Buffalo’s seven-day injured list from April 23-June 30 and again July 14-September 18. He went 1-3 with a 5.48 ERA (13 ER/21.1 IP), 12 walks and 23 strikeouts in 13 minor league appearances, all but three while rehabbing from his shoulder injury. Kay was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on December 16.

Kay owns an 18-26 record with one complete game shutout and a 4.17 ERA (141 ER/304.0 IP) in 70 career minor league games, including 61 starts. He has struck out 310 batters compared to 130 walks, limited opponents to a .254 average and pitched to a 1.30 WHIP.

Kay was selected by the New York Mets in the first round (31st overall) of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Connecticut. He was traded to Toronto July 28, 2019, with right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson for right-handed pitcher and current Cub Marcus Stroman.

Rivas, 26, has hit .247 (73-for-295) with six doubles, two triples, four home runs and 28 RBIs in 119 games spanning parts of two seasons with the Cubs beginning in 2021. He was acquired from Oakland January 13, 2020, for infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp.