TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 11: Ryan Borucki #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on from the top step of the dugout during MLB game action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on August 11, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have seen a number of former players find success elsewhere in recent years, but not every change of scenery produces positive results.
Veteran left-handed reliever Ryan Borucki, who spent parts of six seasons with the Blue Jays, is now facing uncertainty after his latest opportunity in the major leagues came to an abrupt end.
The San Francisco Giants designated Borucki for assignment this week after a difficult start to the 2026 season. The move came as the Giants selected outfielder Jonah Cox to the major league roster and cleared space by removing Borucki from the 40-man roster.
“Jonah Cox — hitting .400 — is getting called up from Richmond,” the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported on X, formerly Twitter, last week. “Ryan Borucki will be DFA’d.”
Former Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Could Cut Ties With San Francisco Giants After Roster Cut
Borucki’s departure is a notable development for a pitcher who appeared to have quickly revived his career after signing with San Francisco earlier this year.
Borucki joined the Giants shortly after being released by the Chicago White Sox near the end of spring training.
“After being cut by the White Sox near the end of Spring Training, Borucki quickly caught on with the Giants on a big league contract,” Mark Polishuk wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “A team in need of southpaw relief help could be inclined to claim Borucki off San Francisco’s waiver wire, but the likelier scenario is that he’ll clear waivers and then be outrighted to Triple-A. Borucki has been outrighted in the past, so he can elect free agency rather than accept that assignment.”
The decision followed a rough stretch on the mound. Borucki posted a 4.94 ERA in his first 21 games with San Francisco, struggling to regain the form that once made him a valuable bullpen option. And the Giants are disappointing as a team, off to a brutal losing start after entering the year with high expectations.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former Pitcher Faces Uncertain Future After 2 Stints In Toronto
Borucki originally broke into the majors with Toronto in 2018 and spent five seasons with the organization before being traded to the Seattle Mariners during the 2022 season. He then returned to the Blue Jays for part of last season before joining the White Sox.
Across 79 total appearances with the Blue Jays, he posted a 4.35 ERA while transitioning from a starter to a reliever.
His departure from San Francisco leaves his future a bit uncertain.
The 31-year-old could attract interest from clubs seeking left-handed bullpen help, particularly given his prior major league success and experience. But if no team places a claim, Borucki will have the option of accepting an outright assignment or electing free agency and searching for another opportunity.
Either way, his latest major league stint ended far sooner than either he or the Giants likely expected.