Blue Jays Deal Offers New Opportunity
Left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl has signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, opening a fresh chapter in his pursuit of re-establishing a prominent role in Major League Baseball. The agreement provides him with a renewed opportunity to refine his performance and work toward reclaiming his earlier form.
Journey Through the Majors
Bruihl’s Major League journey began with his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in August 2021, where he spent two complete seasons. An impressive start saw him post an ERA of 2.89 from the bullpen during his first season. However, subsequent years proved more challenging, with his ERA climbing to 3.80 in 2022 and reaching 5.46 in 2023. That season also marked the most innings pitched in his career, as he appeared in 27 games over 28 innings.
Recent Transitions and Performance Metrics
After his tenure with the Dodgers, Bruihl made seven appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being removed from the 40-man roster midseason. Following a brief contract stint with the Cincinnati Reds—which ended in his release in early June—he demonstrated his potential in the minor leagues by recording a 4–0 win–loss record and a 2.31 ERA over 23.1 innings. Across parts of four Major League seasons, Bruihl has accumulated a 4.62 ERA over 76 innings, with a strikeout rate of about 16 percent, a ground ball rate of roughly 46 percent, and a walk rate near 8 percent.
Looking Ahead with Toronto
The new deal with the Blue Jays presents Bruihl with the prospect of a fresh start. Entering spring training later than most peers, he is expected to begin the season with Triple-A Buffalo. This setting offers him a critical platform to hone his skills, compete for a roster spot, and ultimately make strides toward regaining his earlier form in the competitive realm of Major League Baseball.