Blue Jays sign former Orioles pitcher as fifth starter question lingers

Matt Bowman signed a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays to provide additional pitching depth. Bowman is a relief pitcher, so the move is not intended to address the team’s fifth-starter needs. In Triple-A with St. Paul in 2026, he posted a 1-1 record, a 1.69 ERA, and 25 strikeouts across 14 games before being released. He previously appeared in 20 games for the Baltimore Orioles in the prior season, posting an 0-1 record with a 6.20 ERA and 18 strikeouts. Over seven major-league seasons, Bowman has 231 appearances, an 8-14 record, a 4.38 ERA, and 194 strikeouts, and he must earn a roster opportunity with Toronto.

"The Toronto Blue Jays have added to their pitching depth by bringing in a former Baltimore Orioles reliever. According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Blue Jays have signed pitcher Matt Bowman to a minor-league contract. With Bowman being a relief pitcher, he is not being brought in to solve the Blue Jays' ongoing fifth starter question. He will instead provide the Blue Jays with another depth pitcher in their system who has a good amount of major league experience."

"Bowman has not pitched at the major league level yet this season, but did pitch for Triple-A St. Paul in 2026 before being released. In 14 games with Triple-A St. Paul, the 6-foot righty had a 1-1 record, a 1.69 ERA, and 25 strikeouts. With this, the Chevy Chase, Maryland native had a strong start to the campaign in Triple-A and will now be looking to build on it after earning this minor league deal from the Blue Jays."

"Bowman appeared in 20 games this past season with the Orioles, where he had an 0-1 record, a 6.20 ERA, and 18 strikeouts. This is after he had a 1-0 record, a 4.40 ERA, and 24 strikeouts in 25 appearances split between the Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and Orioles during the 2024 season."

"Matt Bowman signs with Jays. Minors deal.- Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 27, 2026 Bowman appeared in 20 games this past season with the Orioles, where he had an 0-1 record, a 6.20 ERA, and 18 strikeouts. This is after he had a 1-0 record, a 4.40 ERA, and 24 strikeouts in 25 appearances split between the Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and Orioles during the 2024 season."

Read at Jays Journal