Blue Jays pitcher is on the mend

Kloffenstein, who was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2018, was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals along with Sem Robberse in the deal for Jordan Hicks. He ultimately made his major league debut last year, pitching a single inning in St. Louis' game against the San Francisco Giants at Rickwood Field.

The Blue Jays brought him back on a minor league deal in January after he was non-tendered by the Cardinals in November.

Initially, it was thought he would be the 7th starter in Triple-A behind Jake Bloss, but he dealt with some shoulder fatigue early on in camo and never really recovered.

With the Bisons sending him on a rehab assignment though, it appears that he is close to returning. The Blue Jays could use Kloffenstein in Buffalo's rotation too.

Jake Bloss hasn't gotten off to the best of starts and while Easton Lucas had two great starts in the big leagues, he floundered in his next two and ultimately got sent back down. Eric Lauer is now with the big league club and Adam Macko is still recovering from a torn meniscus, so the Blue Jays - and the Bisons - are thing on depth.

Kloffenstein doesn't have to be outstanding upon his return. If he can hold his own and consistent give the Bisons five or six innings, he will put himself in a good position to get promoted, despite not being on the 40-man and even with the additions of Spencer Turnbull and Jose Urena.

If all goes well, Blue Jays fans could see Kloffenstein by mid-season or even as a September call-up.