Blue Jays Add Matt Bowman on Minor League Deal After Release from Twins

The Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league contract with right-handed reliever Matt Bowman, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. The 34-year-old sinkerballer will likely report to Triple-A Buffalo, where he can compete for a spot in Toronto’s deep but injury-depleted bullpen. Bowman was released by the Twins last week after opting out of a non-roster deal.

Bowman posted a 1.69 ERA across 21 1/3 innings with Triple-A St. Paul this season. He induced ground balls at a 55% clip while maintaining a 28.1% strikeout rate and just a 6.7% walk rate. His performance was enough to draw interest from the Blue Jays, who are currently in the thick of the AL East race and have seen key relievers Tommy Nance and Joe Mantiply land on the injured list.

The Twins had signed Bowman to a non-roster deal earlier in the year but ultimately decided not to carry him on the 26-man roster. Minnesota’s front office likely questioned his ability to replicate his Triple-A success against major league hitters. Bowman’s 7.1% swinging strike rate in the minors is below average, and his fastball sits in the low-90s with a mix of a cutter, slider, and splitter.

Bowman has made 147 MLB appearances over parts of seven seasons with six different teams. He spent the bulk of his time with the Cardinals from 2016 to 2018 and appeared in 20 games for the Orioles last season, posting a 6.20 ERA over 24 2/3 innings. His track record is mixed, but his recent Triple-A performance gives Toronto a low-risk option to evaluate.

The Blue Jays currently have several relievers with options remaining, including Chase Lee, Tanner Andrews, and Adam Macko. If Bowman is called up, one of these names could be sent down. Yariel Rodríguez, who lacks an option, could also be sent to Buffalo if he clears waivers.

This move gives Toronto another right-handed arm to work with as they continue to navigate injuries in the bullpen. The Blue Jays rank in the top five in the majors in strikeouts per nine innings but have struggled with consistency and durability. Bowman’s versatility and experience could provide a boost if he can maintain his Triple-A form at the big league level.

Next up for Bowman is a physical and a decision on his assignment. The Blue Jays will evaluate his readiness and determine whether he can contribute at the major league level or start in Triple-A.