Blue Jays claim Rays righty Guerrieri

November 6th, 2017
Taylor Guerrieri made just two starts in 2017 for Triple-A Durham due to arm issues. (AP)

ST. PETERSBURG -- Right-hander has been claimed off outright waivers by the Blue Jays.
The Rays also outrighted catcher Curt Casali, right-hander and outfielder off the 40-man roster, making them Minor League free agents and leaving the 40-man roster at 32.
Guerrieri, 24, was selected by Tampa Bay out of Spring Valley (S.C.) High School with the 24th overall pick in the 2011 Draft. In his first full season in the organization, Guerrieri went 1-2 with a 1.04 ERA across 12 starts for Class A Short-Season Hudson Valley in 2012. Guerrieri struck out 45 and walked just five in 52 innings.
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The following season, he had a problem with his right elbow, and that led to Tommy John surgery. At times since his recovery, he has appeared close to reaching the Major Leagues, but injuries set him back.
After pitching in 28 games (26 starts) for Double-A Montgomery in 2016, he made just two starts in 2017 for Triple-A Durham due to arm issues.
Casali, who turns 29 on Thursday, appeared in nine games for the Rays in 2017 and made two starts at catcher, batting .333 with a home run and three RBIs. Over parts of four seasons in the Majors, all with the Rays, he batted .199 with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs.
Tolleson, 29, did not pitch in 2017 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 17. The five-year veteran, who signed with the Rays as a free agent on Jan. 23, owns a career 14-8 record, 46 saves and a 3.92 ERA.
Puello, 26, appeared in 16 games for the Rays down the stretch, batting .200 with two RBIs.