Overview
- Toronto returned Angel Bastardo to Boston after he cleared waivers, ending his stint as the Blue Jays' Rule 5 pick.
- The Blue Jays had designated the 23-year-old for assignment before Opening Day because Rule 5 rules required an active roster spot if healthy.
- In spring action he threw 7.2 innings with a 4.70 ERA, seven walks, and five strikeouts, flashing a 96 to 98 mph fastball and a praised changeup but spotty control.
- The Red Sox face no Rule 5 restrictions and do not need a 40-man roster spot, so they can assign him to the minors to build back up after his 2025 Tommy John layoff.
- Under Rule 5, restrictions remain until a player logs 90 days on a big-league roster, which is why a full year on the injured list did not lift Bastardo's 2026 roster requirement.