Brad Hand’s stint as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays was short-lived, as the former Nationals closer has been designated for assignment, the team announced Tuesday.
Washington traded Hand at this year’s trade deadline, receiving catcher Riley Adams from the Blue Jays in exchange. The deal now looks to be a complete win for the Nationals, as Hand’s tenure in Toronto did not live up to the team’s expectations.
Toronto DFA’d Hand after the lefty posted a 7.27 ERA in 11 appearances on the mound over 8 2/3 innings pitched. Now that Hand’s contract has been DFA’d, the Blue Jays have seven days to either trade or waive him.
In the nation’s capital, the three-time All-Star put up a 3.59 ERA in 41 games. Although at times he looked sharp on the bump in D.C., Hand often displayed a difficulty to find the strike zone at crucial late-game moments, eventually conceding two consecutive walk-offs in two of his final three appearances as a National.