The Blue Jays returned returned Bastardo to the Red Sox on Wednesday.
Bastardo was selected in the Rule 5 Draft last offseason before missing the entire 2025 campaign following Tommy John surgery. He didn't make the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster this spring and then passed through waivers unclaimed, so he'll now return to his original organization. The Red Sox could give Bastardo a chance to start again, though it's unclear whether he'll be assigned to Double-A Portland or Triple-A Worcester.
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Blue Jays' Angel Bastardo: DFA'd by Toronto
Rotowire
The Blue Jays designated Bastardo for assignment Wednesday.
Bastardo was a Rule 5 pick last season but spent the entire year on the injured list while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 23-year-old is healthy now but didn't do enough to crack the Opening Day roster. Other teams will now have the chance to claim Bastardo, but if he passes through waivers unclaimed, he will be offered back to the Red Sox.
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Blue Jays' Angel Bastardo: Poached in Rule 5 draft
Rotowire
The Blue Jays selected Bastardo (elbow) with the sixth pick in the Rule 5 draft Wednesday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.
Bastardo is recovering from Tommy John surgery that was completed in the middle of the 2024 season, so the Blue Jays may be able to stash him on the injured list for most of the season before easing him into a low-leverage relief role once he's completed a lengthy rehab assignment. Bastardo logged a 5.36 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 53:21 K:BB in 45.1 innings across 10 starts at Double-A last year before needing surgery, although his 4.28 FIP and 3.63 xFIP suggest he deserved a lower ERA. The Jays can stretch Bastardo back out as a starter in 2026 if they hold on to him in the majors/on the IL all season.
