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Toronto Blue Jays spring training: 3 non-roster invitees to watch

By Trevor Popoff

General view of the stadium during a moment of silence for Hank Steinbrenner prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
General view of the stadium during a moment of silence for Hank Steinbrenner prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays: Francisco Liriano returns with a lot to prove at spring training

Well well well, look who’s back.

Francisco Liriano, who last played for the Blue Jays in 2017 before being dealt to the Houston Astros for Teoscar Hernandez, has been summoned for a look this spring training.

While the 37-year-old innings eater may seem like a dull candidate for this list, he may still provide some value to this team.

Liriano didn’t pitch in 2020, but he was still serviceable in his last go-around with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019. Coming out of the bullpen, the southpaw owned a 3.47 ERA and a WHIP hovering around 1.3.

It’s easy to forget that Liriano earned credit for the win in the Blue Jays’ 2016 A.L. Wild Card Game victory over the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to win a World Series with the Astros the following season. His veteran presence in a building filled with youth could be just what the team needs.

The Blue Jays’ rotation is also short on proven commodities. If somebody goes down or a bullpen spot opens up, you could do a lot worse. Still, even if this is just a mentorship move, the presence of Liriano back in blue is a good sight to see.

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