MLB rumors: 5 players the Toronto Blue Jays need to trade for

MLB rumors: 5 players the Blue Jays need to trade for

TORONTO, ON - MAY 11: Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after three quality defensive plays were made behind him in the field to end the first inning during MLB game action against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on May 11, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 12: Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Jefry Rodriguez (68) throws a pitch during the regular season baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Cleveland Indians on May 12, 2019, at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. (Photo by Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Jefry Rodriguez

The Cleveland Indians were dealt a big blow on May 1 when two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber fractured his forearm. With Kluber’s status for the rest of the season uncertain, the Indians could look to replace him by making a deal for either of the Blue Jays pitchers on the market.

The Indians’ most valuable trade asset in the event of a deal with Toronto is 6-foot-6 right-hander Jefry Rodriguez. The 25-year-old has impressed in four starts with Cleveland in 2019, with a 2.92 ERA in 24.2 innings. He last pitched against Oakland on Sunday, going six innings while giving up three earned runs in his second start since being recalled from the Minors.

The tall righty would provide instant depth to the Blue Jays’ starting pitching rotation. Rodriguez is a heavy fastball pitcher, throwing it more than 75 percent of the time at an average of 94 mph. He does need to work on his command after walking eight batters in 24.2 innings this season.

With Mike Clevinger out until at least June with a back injury and question marks about Kluber going forward, the Indians can’t afford to lose any more ground to the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins. If they are serious about contending this season, Stroman and Sanchez will likely be among their targets. In that case, Rodriguez becomes a good candidate to head the other way.

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