Blue Jays sign ex-Twins, Mariners veteran reliever to bolster bullpen

Despite all their injuries, the Toronto Blue Jays are just one game back from the third and final Wild Card spot in the American League. 

The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been decimated by long-term injuries, and closer Jeff Hoffman is struggling in more ways than one. 

To add more experience to the bullpen, the Blue Jays signed a veteran reliever to a minor league deal on Wednesday. He won't join the Major League roster immediately, but the 35-year-old is there if Toronto needs an extra arm. 

According to the MiLB transactions log, right-hander Justin Topa has agreed to a deal with the Blue Jays. 

Last month, Topa was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins and subsequently released. He allowed 17 earned runs on 27 hits in 19 innings with the AL Central club. 

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"He’s a talented arm, but time will tell whether the Jays can either get his stuff back to previous levels or help him get by with lesser velocity across the board," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. 

Topa's best season in the Majors was in 2023 with the Seattle Mariners, when he threw a career-high 69 innings and induced ground balls at a 56.7% rate, leading to a 2.61 ERA. 

The Blue Jays could utilize him in a long relief role if they decide to promote him from Triple-A Buffalo at any point this year. 

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