Toronto Blue Jays have traded for reliever Brad Hand. This comes after the Blue Jays bullpen has been dismal. Toronto will get bullpen help after they acquired Washington Nationals closer Brad Hand in exchange for catcher Riley Adams. In 2021, Hand has appeared in 41 games for the Nationals and holds a 3.59 ERA with 21 saves. Hand is a three-time All-Star who previously played for the Cleveland Indians and the San Diego Padres. The newest addition to the Blue Jays comes when the team will be back at home on July 30.
New city, new threads for Brad Hand. ⚾️
What do you think, Jays fans? #BlueJaysOnSN pic.twitter.com/dsBSx4qVYU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 29, 2021
Blue Jays Acquire Brad Hand Breakdown
While Hand has been solid for the most part, he has had a few hiccups in Washington. He had a difficult six-game stretch in May and a few other rough outings earlier this week. In May, Hand blew two saves and picked up two losses against the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies. He surrendered six hits and walked three batters in 2.1 innings while allowing four earned runs in his first three outings. Then, after a clean inning against the Diamondbacks, Hand proceeded to allow three runs over his next two outings. However, before this stretch, Hand was excellent as he allowed just one run over 10 innings.
After these struggles, Hand bounced back in a major way. Over his next 20 appearances, Hand notched 14 saves. He allowed just 12 hits in 21.2 innings with a 1.25 ERA and 18 strikeouts in these outings. Hand’s command also rebounded as he walked just five batters. But, in his last six games, Hand has blown three saves and has three losses to his record. The primary reason for his struggles is his command. Hand walked six batters in a 4.2 inning stretch in July and threw strikes just 59% of the time.
In return, the Washington Nationals received Riley Adams. Adams has struggled with strikeouts, but he possesses excellent power, as Baseball America called him the “Best Power Hitter” in the Blue Jays’ system. Last month, Adams made his MLB debut and were three for 28 at the plate.
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