According to an official team release, the Blue Jays have acquired left-handed pitcher Clayton Richard and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor-league outfielder Connor Panas.
Right-handed pitcher Oliver Drake has been designated for assignment by the Blue Jays in order to free up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster, which is now full, the team also announced in the same release. The Padres also announced the move in a release of their own.
Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith originally reported that Richard was headed to Toronto, while Shi Davidi, also of Sportsnet, first reported that Panas was the piece going to San Diego.
As Mike Wilner of Sportsnet FAN 590 noted on Twitter, the cash considerations going to the Blue Jays will offset at least a portion of Richard’s $3 million salary in 2019. Richard, who turned 35 in September, was designated for assignment by the Padres as a corresponding move to the team’s signing of infielder Ian Kinsler on December 20.
Richard, who had been with San Diego since 2016, pitched to an ERA of 5.33 in 158.2 innings, striking out 108 and walking 60 this season. Boasting a FIP of 4.68, the native of Lafayette, Indiana started 27 games in 2018.
Prior to being traded to San Diego, Richard spent time with the Chicago White Sox, appearing in 39 games in parts of two seasons, tossing 136.2 frames to an ERA of 5.14. He also logged time with the Chicago Cubs, adding 56.1 innings between 2015 and 2016.
The 25-year-old Panas hit .232 with nine home runs, and 39 RBIs in 105 games last season for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the Class AA Eastern League The left-handed hitter from Toronto was selected by the Blue Jays in the ninth round of the 2015 draft.
