Reliever Neil Ramirez is no longer a San Francisco Giant. The Toronto Blue Jays claimed the 27-year-old right-hander off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Giants on Monday, the club announced.
Neil Ramirez claimed on waivers by the Blue Jays #SFGiants
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) May 4, 2017
Ramirez was shelled in his 10 1/3 innings this season, allowing 15 runs. In his last outing with the Giants on April 29 against the Padres, Ramirez gave up six earned runs in 1 and 2/3 innings. Ramirez also struggled in limited big league action with the Cubs, Brewers and Twins last season, posting a 6.00 ERA in 18 appearances.
The Blue Jays were likely enticed by some of Ramirez’ other numbers that would indicate some of his struggles have been due to bad luck, most notably a BABIP (batting average on balls in play) rate of 50 percent, which is unlikely to continue. Ramirez also has shown a capability to throw good stuff, striking out 18 batters while walking just four in 2017.
The Giants called up right-handed reliever Bryan Morris from Triple-A Sacramento to replace Ramirez. Morris, 30, made his first appearance with the big league club on Tuesday and gave up three runs in an inning of relief in the Giants’ 13-5 loss to the Dodgers. Morris was one of the most consistent relievers in the Marlins’ bullpen from 2014-16.