The Blue Jays announced a series of roster moves today, selecting the contracts of catcher Brian Serven and designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach. They had previously opened a roster spot by trading Santiago Espinal to the Cincinnati Reds and opened another today by designating right-hander Yosver Zulueta for assignment.
Zulueta, 26, began his career as a starter, but significant issues with his control moved him to the bullpen in recent years. The move to a relief role didn’t help him get a handle on things and has now contributed to him being removed from the 40-man roster entirely.
The native Villa Clara,Cuba who participated in the last two Futures games, dropped sharply in the Jays TOP-30 prospects, going from being the organization’s third ranked prospect to number 17 this year. He was expected to make his MLB debut in 2023, but that event never came to fruition.
Sources: The Cincinnati Reds have claimed RHP Yosver Zulueta off waivers from the Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/1Zh0pPHhGg
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 28, 2024
For this 2024 season everything seems to indicate that the dream for him of reaching the Big Show is a little further away, even though he begin the season at Louisville (AAA) with the Reds organization.
Spring Training also did not go well for the 26-year-old Cuban. In five games pitched, he worked for five innings where he gave up eight runs, of which six were earned leading to a 10.80 ERA.
Rivals hit .333 against him, he also struck out two, walked four and had an astronomical 2.20 WHIP. In three minor league seasons he posted a 6-9 record, 3.91 ERA and has struck out 157 batters in 119 ⅔ innings.