Blue Jays sign Brett Anderson to minor-league deal

The Blue Jays have agreed to a minor-league deal with lefty Brett Anderson, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.

Anderson, 29, was recently designated for assignment and released by the Cubs after struggling in six starts with the club. He’ll likely head to Triple-A Buffalo to start, giving the Jays some depth for the rest of the year.

Toronto could trade a starter (potentially Marco Estrada or J.A. Happ) in a waiver-wire deal before the end of the month, meaning a rotation spot could open up. The club is currently working with Estrada, J.A. Happ, Marcus Stroman, Chris Rowley and Nick Tepesch in its rotation while Aaron Sanchez on the disabled list.

Anderson signed an incentive-laden one-year deal with the Cubs before the season, earning a $3.5 million base with the potential to earn $10 million total. He posted an 8.18 ERA in 22 major-league innings while dealing with serious back issues and missing most of the season while on the disabled list.

Anderson, who was last fully healthy in 2015, will look to re-establish his value by showing good health in the last six weeks of the year.