Who is Lazaro Estrada? Why Blue Jays' righty is pitching early in relief vs. White Sox

The Toronto Blue Jays' fanbase needs to get to know a relatively new pitcher.

His name is Lazaro Estrada, and he's operating in a bulk role on Saturday in Chicago against the White Sox.

He's in the major leagues due to all the injuries the Blue Jays are dealing with in their pitching rotation.

Cody Ponce's injury was the direct impetus to get Estrada called up.

Who is Lazaro Estrada?

Estrada is a 5-foot-10 Cuban right-hander who has previously pitched in two games for the Blue Jays.

Both those appearances came last season for Estrada. Across 7.1 innings pitched, he allowed seven runs and struck out 10 hitters. His 10 strikeout to one walk is an encouraging ratio, at least.

This spring, Estrada pitched in six games for the Blue Jays and had a 4.76 ERA.

He made his first appearance of this season for Triple-A Buffalo and went 2.2 innings last week without allowing a hit or a run.

Last season at Triple-A, Estrada had a 5.73 ERA in 26 appearances (20 starts).

Why is Lazaro Estrada pitching for Blue Jays?

On Saturday, Estrada is the bulk reliever for Toronto.

Mason Fluharty served in the "opener" role, pitching just early to get some initial outs before Estrada, the more stretched-out pitcher, got to pitch the middle innings.

It's a newer type of role, but it keeps the long-inning pitcher from having to see anyone in the batting lineup too many times.