The Toronto Blue Jays are unlikely to extend a $14.1 million qualifying offer to starting pitcher Josh Johnson, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. However, Heyman reports that a final decision has not yet been made.
Johnson, who was acquired as part of Toronto's roster overhaul last winter, posted the worst season of his career in 2013. The injury-prone right-hander made only 16 starts thanks to problems with his triceps and forearm, and didn't appear in a game after Aug. 6. He wasn't particularly effective when he did pitch, either, going 2-8 with a 6.20 ERA and allowing 15 home runs in 81⅓ innings. The 29-year-old has exceeded 200 innings only once in his career, and has made at least 28 starts only three times in nine seasons.
While the Blue Jays wouldn't be opposed bringing to Johnson back next season, they are wary of the fact that he finished 2013 on the disabled list, reports Heyman. Johnson's agent claims that his client is now 100% healthy. The team's current starting pitching options include R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow, J.A. Happ, Esmil Rogers, and Todd Redmond. The depth chart also includes Dustin McGowan, Kyle Drabek, and Ricky Romero.
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