Blue Jays Lose Matt Gage on Waivers to Astros

Gage was designated for assignment last week to make room for Chad Green on Toronto's 40-man roster.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Astros have claimed reliever Matt Gage off waivers from the Blue Jays.

The lefty appeared in 11 games with the Blue Jays at the MLB level last season, posting a 1.38 ERA and striking out 12 batters in 13 innings. Gage was designated for assignment by Toronto last week to make room on the 40-man roster for newly signed reliever Chad Green.

Gage earned his big league debut last season as a 29-year-old by posting a strong season with the Buffalo Bisons. After seven seasons in the minors, independent league baseball, and foreign leagues, Gage earned his first call-up with a 2.34 ERA and 12 saves as Triple-A Buffalo's closer for most of 2022. 

Gage joins the Astros with two remaining minor league options, meaning he can be called up and sent down to the minors five times in 2023 without having to hit waivers again.

Despite being one of just three left-handed pitchers on the Blue Jays roster, Gage was the chosen player to be DFA'd last week amid the Blue Jays' bullpen flux. Toronto has several optionable relievers fighting for jobs or spots on the call-up pecking order to start 2023, including Nate Pearson, Zach Thompson, Thomas Hatch, Zach Pop, and Trent Thornton.


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Mitch Bannon
MITCH BANNON

Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon