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Blue Jays add Grilli to beleaguered bullpen

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The Toronto Blue Jays bolstered their scuffling bullpen Tuesday evening, acquiring veteran right-hander Jason Grilli and cash considerations from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor-league right-hander Sean Ratcliffe, the team announced.

According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves are expected to cover what's left of his $3.5-million salary for this year, less the pro-rated major-league minimum and the $250,000 buyout on a $3-million team option for 2017.

Grilli, 39, stumbled through a rough start with the Braves this year - the second season of a two-year, $8-million deal - managing a 5.29 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP in 21 appearances before getting shipped to the Blue Jays, his favorite team growing up. Prior to 2016, however, Grilli had been one of the more dominant relievers in the National League for a half-decade, managing a 3.07 ERA with a 31.5 percent strikeout rate and 72 saves from 2011-15.

In Toronto - the ninth team Grilli has played for in his meandering, 14-year career - the one-time All-Star will join a beleaguered relief corps lacking in reliable late-inning options beyond closer Roberto Osuna. Heading into Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays' bullpen ranks in the bottom six in the American League in ERA (3.89), WHIP (1.34), strikeout rate (21.5 percent), home runs per nine innings (1.34), and meltdowns (26).

Ratcliffe, meanwhile, is the newest addition to a farm system infused with considerable talent in recent months, though the 21-year-old has yet to pitch in a game in 2016. Last year, the former 18th-round pick posted a 3.60 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP in 21 relief appearances and one start with the Vancouver Canadians of the Low-A Northwest League.

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