The Toronto Blue Jays designated right-handed pitcher Lázaro Estrada for assignment on Saturday, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Daz Cameron. The move comes one day after Estrada was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, ending another brief stint in the major-league bullpen.
Estrada, 27, has been with the Blue Jays organization since signing as an international free agent out of Cuba on Jan. 4, 2018.
The Havana native spent years climbing through the minor-league system before making his MLB debut on July 5, 2025. In limited big-league action that season, he appeared in two games and posted an 8.59 ERA over 7⅓ innings.
This year Estrada has shuttled frequently between Toronto and Buffalo while also dealing with a shoulder impingement that landed him on the injured list.
In eight relief appearances with the Blue Jays in 2026, he went 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, nine strikeouts and 10 walks across 13 innings, recording one save. Overall, his career major-league numbers stand at 1-1 with a 6.64 ERA in 20⅓ innings over 10 games.
Despite the struggles at the highest level, Estrada has shown promise in Triple-A. Reports noted a strong 2.57 ERA over 28 innings with Buffalo this season, a mark that could attract interest from teams seeking bullpen depth.
The right-hander has generally pitched better in the minors throughout his career, including a solid 2024 campaign that saw him rise from Low-A to Double-A with a 3.29 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 98⅓ innings.
Estrada’s path has included stops at nearly every level of the Blue Jays’ system, beginning in the Dominican Summer League in 2018.
He was never ranked among the organization’s elite prospects, but steadily developed into a useful arm capable of handling both starting and relief roles. His recent big-league opportunities largely stemmed from roster needs created by injuries and trades.
With the designation for assignment, Estrada has seven days to be traded, claimed off waivers by another club, or outrighted to the minors if he clears waivers.
Given his minor-league track record and remaining pre-arbitration status, another organization may view him as a low-risk addition with upside in a relief role.
The move reflects the Blue Jays’ ongoing efforts to refine their pitching depth and 40-man roster as the season progresses.
For Estrada, who has spent his entire professional career in the Toronto system, the DFA marks a significant crossroads after more than eight years with the organization.
