Blue Jays acquire Richard from Padres
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired left-hander Clayton Richard and cash from the San Diego Padres on Sunday in exchange for minor-league outfielder Connor Panas, the team announced.
Toronto will cover half of Richard's $3-million salary in 2019 before he becomes a free agent at season's end, according to MLB.com's AJ Cassavell.
The Blue Jays designated pitcher Oliver Drake for assignment to make room for Richard on the 40-man roster.
Richard, 35, made 27 starts for the Padres last season, authoring a 5.33 ERA in 158 2/3 innings.
San Diego designated Richard for assignment on Dec. 20.
Over the course of his 10-year career, the veteran southpaw has thrown more than 1,200 innings, posting a 4.46 ERA and 1.42 WHIP across 265 appearances.
He's the second starting-pitching option the Blue Jays have acquired this week. Toronto inked Matt Shoemaker to a one-year, $3.5-million contract Friday.
Panas, 25, spent last season with Double-A New Hampshire. He hit .232/.296/.359 with 39 RBIs in 105 games.