The Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract, extending him a non-roster invitation to their MLB spring training camp. Mantiply, known for his command and groundball-inducing pitching style, brings experience from both the major and minor leagues to the organization.
Mantiply’s Recent Performance and Role Within the Blue Jays
Mantiply spent the latter part of last season with the Blue Jays after being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June. Shortly after the MLB All-Star break, he signed a minor league deal with Toronto and spent time at the team’s Florida training complex before joining the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. During his stint with the Bisons, Mantiply allowed eight runs, six of which were earned, over 15 2/3 innings. While his run prevention was modest, he recorded an impressive 19-to-0 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 64 batters faced at the Triple-A level.
Pitching Style and Career Highlights
At 35 years old, Mantiply has demonstrated solid control and the ability to generate groundballs, primarily relying on his sinker and changeup, both featuring notable movement despite below-average velocity. Last year, his sinker averaged 88.4 mph. Mantiply was a surprise All-Star in 2022 after posting a 2.85 ERA over 60 innings, the most in his career. However, his most recent major league performance was less consistent, allowing 17 runs in 9 2/3 innings during the previous season.
Blue Jays’ Left-Handed Relief Options and Team Strategy
Although the Blue Jays boast a strong overall roster, they have limited established options for left-handed relief pitching. Eric Lauer is expected to serve in a multi-inning role, while Mason Fluharty offers a soft-tossing cutter with the ability to miss bats. Brendon Little provides more potent raw stuff but struggles with consistent command. Rookie Ricky Tiedemann remains a potential contributor either in the rotation or bullpen, but his progress has been slowed by elbow issues early in camp. Mantiply’s return adds depth to a bullpen group that is still seeking reliable left-handed arms.
Implications of Mantiply’s Return and Outlook
Re-adding Joe Mantiply on a minor league contract offers the Blue Jays a veteran southpaw with proven control and groundball skills, serving as potential insurance for left-handed relief. His experience and pitching style align with the team’s current needs heading into the season. As the younger pitchers contend with health and consistency challenges, Mantiply’s presence provides additional options for manager strategies during both spring training and the regular season.
