Blue Jays sign Jake Petricka to minor-league deal

The Blue Jays have agreed to a minor-league contract with reliever Jake Petricka, according to a major-league source. Petricka will earn $1.3 million if he reaches the majors, with $500k available in incentives.

Petricka, who turns 30 in June, was an effective bullpen piece for the White Sox from 2013-15, logging a 3.24 ERA and 6.1 K/9 in 145 appearances. He has been significantly hampered by injuries (to his hip and elbow) since, appearing in only nine games in 2016 and 27 in 2017.

Petricka reportedly underwent a nerve transposition and flexor tendon debridement on his left elbow in October, though Toronto is apparently comfortable enough with his medicals to give him a chance to compete for a spot this spring in Dunedin. Chicago non-tendered Petricka in December.

Toronto’s bullpen was looking a little light after July trades involving Joe Smith and Jason Grilli and Dominic Leone last month. Petricka is the second free-agent addition (along with righty Al Alburquerque) who could make an impact on a group that currently projects to include Danny Barnes, Carlos Ramirez, Aaron Loup, Joe Biagini and Ryan Tepera in front of closer Roberto Osuna.