Blue Jays sign Ryan Rowland-Smith to minor league deal

The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league deal with left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith, according to an industry source. Rowland-Smith will report to Triple-A Buffalo, and can opt out of his deal on June 1st to search for opportunities elsewhere.

Rowland-Smith, 31, recently elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks. He posted a 4.91 ERA in 7.1 relief innings for the D-Backs to start the season after signing a minor league deal last offseason.

The Blue Jays have left-handers Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup in the major league bullpen, so the addition of Rowland-Smith provides depth at the Triple-A level. If either Cecil or Loup struggles or gets injured, the Jays could use Rowland-Smith to take their place.

In 37 relief appearances with the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate last season, Rowland-Smith was excellent, posting a 1.55 ERA in 52.1 innings. He was on the verge of a major league callup before having and emergency appendectomy last summer.

In parts of five major league seasons with the Mariners (2007-2010) and Diamondbacks (2014), Rowland-Smith is the owner of a lifetime 12-17 record and 4.57 ERA in 121 games (47 starts).