Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brad Mills, seen in this 2011 photo, is coming back to Toronto after being claimed off waivers from the Oakland A’sNathan Denette/The Canadian Press
The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed Brad Mills off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, bringing the left-handed pitcher back to the team that drafted him.
The 29-year-old Mills started three games for Oakland this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.41 earned-run average.
He opened the season appearing in 14 games and making 12 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers triple-A affiliate in Nashville, posting a 4-2 record with a 1.56 ERA, before being traded to Oakland in June for $1.
He was designated for assignment on July 7th after the A's acquired pitchers Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija from the Chicago Cubs.
Originally drafted in the fourth round in 2007 by the Blue Jays, the six-foot, 188-pound pitcher has a career record of 4-4 in 18 games (13 starts) with a 6.98 ERA with Toronto, the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays have designated right-hander Deck McGuire for assignment. The team will make a corresponding move to the 25-man roster once Mills reports to the team.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports also reports that the Blue Jays have inquired about the services of veteran outfielder Alfonso Soriano, who was released by the New York Yankees. The 38-year-old was hitting just .221 with three home runs and 23 RBI's in 67 games.