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Toronto Blue Jays agree to five-year deal with Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez
TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays added some depth to their pitching staff Friday, agreeing to a US$32-million, five-year contract with Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez.
The 26-year-old has experience as both a starter and a reliever in top leagues in Cuba and Japan. Rodriguez could battle for the fifth spot in Toronto’s starting rotation or may be used out of the bullpen.
As a reliever in 2022, Rodriguez was 6-2 with a 1.15 earned-run average with the Chunichi Dragons of the Nippon Professional Baseball League.
He had 60 strikeouts and 18 walks over 54 2/3 innings.