Former Blue Jays pitcher gets new home

Borucki, who has spent the last two seasons in Pittsburgh, re-signed with the club on a minor league deal back in January. He pitched parts of five seasons for the Blue Jays from 2018-2022.

Borucki had a very strong 2023, going 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 38 games. However, he had an injury-riddled 2024, a season which saw his ERA balloon to 7.46 in just 14 games.

Borucki is one of a handful of former Blue Jays on the Pirates roster. The group is headlined by Spencer Horwitz, who was flipped to Pittsburgh after being dealt to the Guardians for Andres Gimenez and Nick Sandlin.

Other former Blue Jays on the Pirates include Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who will open the season the everyday shortstop, as well fellow reliever Tim Mayza, who was also signed to minor-league contract this offseason.

New Pirates hitting coach Matt Hague was an assistant for several years in Toronto, and manager Derek Shelton was the Blue Jays quality control coach in 2017.

Borucki was traded to the Mariners in 2022 after being Designated for Assignment by the Blue Jays. He will be one of three lefties on the roster along with Mayza and Caleb Ferguson.

Like he has done in the past, Borucki will likely fill a middle relief role, though he could also be used as an opener, should the Pirates need to employ one. Borucki started 17 games for the Blue Jays in 2017.