BOSTON – Always on an at-times desperate lookout for fresh arms, the Blue Jays acquired a New York Mets castoff on Wednesday, making a cash deal for veteran journeyman Wilmer Font.
The right-hander, who was once a Toronto farm-hand, will report to the team after he takes care of visa issues, clearing him to play for his new club.
And when the 29-year-old is on the roster, manager Charlie Montoyo says he plans to employ Font in an “opener” role.
“He throws hard (with a fastball) of 95, 96 and that’s a good sign for an opener,” said Montoyo, who is familiar with Font from his days as a coach in Tampa. “That’s always good to start a game.”
In 22 relief appearances this season for the Mets and Royals – plus three starts in New York – Font had a 5.20 ERA.
The Jays will announce a corresponding move once Font reports, possibly in time for a weekend series in Detroit.
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