Yarbrough playing long game

Forgotten man at trade deadline has proven versatile and capable of throwing quality innings

- GREGOR CHISHOLM

Daulton Varsho pinch-hit for former Jays teammate Danny Jansen, right, on Monday in Boston during the resumption of the second inning of a game delayed by rain in June.

When the Blue Jays pulled off eight trades at this year’s deadline, the addition of left-hander Ryan Yarbrough was worth little more than a footnote.

The headlines, columns and summaries of general manager Ross Atkins’ wheeling and dealing focused on the 13 prospects who would improve a weak minor-league system. Little attention was given to the 32-year-old Yarbrough.

The veteran had been recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers and was set to become a free agent in approximately three months. Unlike the prospects, Toronto was a layover, not his final destination.

Fast forward four weeks and Yarbrough has proven to be a valuable piece. He has provided the Jays with a versatile arm capable of throwing quality innings out of the bullpen in extended stretches, which was something they lacked.

Yarbrough showcased his worth again Monday by tossing 3 1⁄3scoreless innings in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox, a 4-1 victory at Fenway Park that was the continuation of a matchup from June 26. He allowed two hits and struck out four.