austin voth

Blue Jays Make Roster Moves: Austin Voth Returns as Toronto Bolsters Pitching Staff

The Toronto Blue Jays made a notable adjustment to their major league roster this week, bringing back right-handed reliever Austin Voth and selecting fellow pitcher Jared Shuster from the 60-day injured list. This move comes as the team looks to stabilize its bullpen during a critical stretch of the 2024 season.

According to multiple verified reports from trusted Canadian sports outlets—including Yahoo Sports Canada and Sportsnet—the Blue Jays optioned pitchers Patrick Little and José Berríos to Triple-A Buffalo while activating Voth and selecting Shuster. These changes reflect both immediate needs and long-term planning as Toronto navigates a tight playoff race.

What Happened This Week?

On Wednesday morning, the Blue Jays announced they had optioned two pitchers to make room for new additions. The most significant return is Austin Voth, who previously spent time with the organization earlier in the year before being sent down to minor league camp. His recall suggests the front office sees value in his recent performance at Buffalo.

Voth, a 27-year-old right-hander, has shown flashes of effectiveness when healthy. In limited appearances this season with Toronto, he posted a 3.86 ERA over 19 innings pitched, demonstrating solid command despite occasional control issues. His ability to induce ground balls (career 55% GB rate) makes him an asset against left-handed hitters—a key matchup consideration for manager John Schneider.

Jared Shuster’s activation marks another step forward in his recovery journey. Originally acquired via trade last summer from the Chicago Cubs, the lefty reliever has been working his way back from Tommy John surgery since March. While his fastball velocity remains slightly below pre-injury levels, scouts report improved mechanics and confidence during recent rehab starts in Florida.

Why This Matters Now

With just over three weeks remaining until the All-Star break—and the possibility of expanded rosters—these moves signal that Toronto isn’t waiting for September call-ups. The Blue Jays currently hold the third Wild Card spot in the American League, trailing only Houston and Minnesota by one game.

Bullpen consistency has been a concern all season. Despite having arguably the league’s top starting rotation (led by Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah), Toronto’s relief corps ranks 18th in ERA (4.32) and 22nd in WHIP (.347). Bringing back Voth provides depth against southpaws—a weakness exposed in recent series against Tampa Bay and Texas.

Moreover, this decision reflects a broader trend among contenders: maximizing roster flexibility before potential expansion deadlines. Teams often carry extra arms through July 31, then decide which ones merit playoff use. By activating both Voth and Shuster now, Toronto ensures they can evaluate them in high-leverage situations without rushing the process.

A Closer Look at Austin Voth’s Role

Austin Voth entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Indiana University in 2018. Over five minor league seasons, he developed into a reliable arm known for his sinker-slider combination. Though never a top prospect, his polished secondary pitches earned him repeated promotions.

His stint with Toronto began promisingly in April, but recurring shoulder fatigue led to a brief demotion in May. Since returning to Buffalo, Voth has refined his approach—increasing his usage of the changeup and improving pitch sequencing. In his last 10 Triple-A outings, he allowed only four earned runs over 18 frames while striking out 19 batters.

“He’s matured as a pitcher,” said Buffalo pitching coach Mike DiFelice in a recent interview. “Austin understands what he needs to do to get outs. He’s not trying to overpower guys anymore—he’s smarter than that.”

For Toronto, this means Voth could serve as a bridge between the starter and closer roles, or even replace a struggling setup man like Jordan Romano if injuries occur. His experience navigating late innings gives the staff added comfort.

Jared Shuster’s Comeback Journey

Jared Shuster’s road back hasn’t been easy. After undergoing ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in April 2023, the left-handed specialist faced setbacks including inflammation and mechanical inefficiencies. But after a productive spring training and strong rehab assignments in Single-A and Double-A, he’s regained trust from the coaching staff.

Shuster brings a devastating slider that complements his low-90s fastball. When healthy, he’s proven effective against both left and right-handed hitters—unlike many relievers who struggle with platoon splits. His presence allows Schneider to deploy more situational matchups, especially with runners in scoring position.

“We’ve always liked Jared’s stuff,” said assistant GM Tony Matterson during a recent press briefing. “Now that he’s throwing live again, we feel confident he can contribute immediately.”

However, medical staff will monitor his workload closely. The risk of re-injury remains elevated for pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery, so Shuster may begin as a high-leverage option rather than a regular piece of the rotation.

Broader Implications for the Blue Jays

These roster decisions reflect a strategic shift under president of baseball operations Mark Shapiro. After years of relying heavily on analytics-driven acquisitions, Toronto is increasingly valuing veteran presence and injury resilience. Voth and Shuster represent cost-controlled talent with proven track records—two factors that matter greatly in tight pennant races.

Additionally, the moves underscore the importance of Triple-A depth. By maintaining strong affiliate relationships, the Blue Jays can respond quickly to emergencies without sacrificing quality. Buffalo’s pitching staff, ranked second in the International League, continues to produce MLB-ready arms like Voth and Shuster.

Looking ahead, Toronto must balance short-term gains with long-term health. Carrying too many pitchers risks fatigue or burnout, particularly during the condensed August schedule. Still, with the Wild Card likely going down to the wire, every edge counts.

What Fans Should Expect Next

Expect Voth to see immediate action in upcoming series, possibly facing left-handed hitters in key spots. Meanwhile, Shuster may debut in save opportunities if Romano falters or gets injured—though that outcome would be far from ideal.

Manager John Schneider emphasized patience during Tuesday’s media session: “We’re not forcing these guys. We want them ready when we need them most.” That philosophy aligns with the club’s overall approach: smart, measured decisions over panic moves.

If both pitchers perform as expected, Toronto could gain crucial versatility heading into October. If not, the Blue Jays still retain options—including recalling top prospects like Ricky Tiedemann or trading for additional help before the deadline.

One thing is certain: with just 42 games left on the schedule, every inning matters. And for fans watching from Toronto, Montreal, or anywhere across Canada, these small adjustments might prove pivotal in determining whether the team earns a postseason berth.

Sources:
Blue Jays dismiss 2 pitchers, add new duo, and make Injured List move – Yahoo Sports Canada
Blue Jays option Little, Estrada to triple-A, select Mantiply, Voth – Sportsnet
Blue Jays option struggling LHP Little; call up Mantiply, Voth – TSN