Blue Jays Re-Sign Josh Fleming on Minor League Deal Amid Pitching Woes

The Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming on a minor league contract, per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Fleming, who previously joined the team in February, was designated for assignment last week before electing free agency. Now back in the fold, the 29-year-old could help stabilize a Blue Jays pitching staff that is currently short on healthy options.

Fleming was originally selected in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2017 draft. He made his major league debut during the 2020 shortened season and impressed with a 2.78 ERA over 32 2/3 innings. However, his peripherals did not support that success, and in 2021, his ERA ballooned to 5.09 across 104 1/3 innings as a swingman for the Rays. Over the next two seasons, he posted a 5.40 ERA in 22 appearances.

After being non-tendered by Tampa Bay after the 2023 season, Fleming signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates and posted a 4.02 ERA in 31 1/3 innings. He did not reach the majors in 2024 and spent the 2025 season at Triple-A with the Seattle Mariners before joining Toronto this past offseason.

With Bowden Francis, Cody Ponce, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios all on the injured list, the Blue Jays are in desperate need of pitching depth. Veteran Max Scherzer is currently pitching through forearm tendinitis and has allowed eight runs in 2 1/3 innings. Fleming’s lone major league appearance with Toronto was four innings of three-run ball, and his career MLB line stands at a 4.77 ERA and 4.65 FIP.

Fleming has also struggled at the Triple-A level, posting a 4.18 ERA over his career. While he is not expected to be a dominant presence on the mound, his ability to eat innings could be crucial for the Blue Jays during this rough patch. Other options include Yariel Rodriguez, Lazaro Estrada, and Adam Macko, who are not currently on the active roster or IL.

The Blue Jays will evaluate Fleming’s potential impact in the coming days as they prepare for a challenging stretch in their schedule. The team’s next game is scheduled for Thursday at 7:07 PM ET against the Oakland Athletics.