Blue Jays sign RHP Dolis to 1-year deal

February 9th, 2020

TORONTO -- After making significant additions to the rotation this offseason, the Blue Jays have bolstered their bullpen, announcing Saturday they have signed to a one-year, $1 million deal with a club option that will bring the right-hander back to the Majors after four seasons in Japan.

According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, the club option for 2021 has a base of $1.5 million with bonuses.

The 32-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic began his professional career in the Cubs' organization. He spent parts of three seasons in the big leagues with Chicago, posting a 5.48 ERA over 40 appearances and 44 1/3 innings, with more walks than strikeouts, last appearing in the Majors in 2013.

Dolis joined the Hanshin Tigers in 2016 and owns a 2.49 ERA over 208 appearances and 206 frames with 61 walks, 227 strikeouts and 96 saves over four seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound righty joins a bullpen with spots seemingly only carved out for closer Ken Giles and last year’s long man in Sam Gaviglio. Japanese hurler Shun Yamaguchi would also find himself among the relief corps if he doesn’t win a starting spot during Spring Training.

To make room on the 40-man roster, Breyvic Valera has been designated for assignment.