Toronto Blue Jays 2019 season preview: Starting rotation boasts strong talent

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Clayton Richard

Just a few days after signing Shoemaker, the Blue Jays made another addition to their pitching ranks, acquiring Richard and cash from San Diego in exchange for minor leaguer Connor Panas.

This will be the first time since 2009 that Richard will play for a team in the American League. The southpaw was drafted in the eighth round by the Chicago White Sox in 2005 and played his first two professional seasons with them.

While he was pitching in the National League, Richard garnered the reputation as a hurler that could also handle the bat. He has three home runs and 28 RBIs in 10 major league seasons.

Richard also recorded a single as a pinch hitter last season.

On the mound, Richard is a sinkerball pitcher who also mixes in a slider, four-seam fastball, and changeup. He owns a career 4.45 ERA and 1.42 WHIP and has eclipsed 150 innings five times.

Last season, he posted a 7-11 record with a 5.33 ERA and 4.68 FIP across 158 2/3 innings.

Richard should be able to eat up some innings as the fifth starter in the rotation. The team will need him to get deep in games to help out the bullpen.