Reports: Jays to call up Cuban RHP Yariel Rodriguez

The Toronto Blue Jays plan to promote Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez to make his major league debut this weekend, according to multiple reports Friday.

Rodriguez, 27, went 10-10 with a 3.03 ERA in 79 appearances (no starts) with Chunichi of the Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan from 2020-22, including a 1.15 ERA and a 3.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 56 games in 2022.

He sat out the 2023 season due to a disagreement with the team -- Rodriguez wanted to be freed of his obligation to the team so he could pursue an MLB career, but the Dragons did not release him until October.

He signed a five-year, $32 million deal with the Blue Jays in January.

The Blue Jays reportedly plan to turn him into a starting pitcher, giving him two starts with Triple-A Buffalo, where he struck out 10 batters while giving up just one hit and three walks in 6 1/3 innings.

Rodriguez last pitched for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic in March 2023, making two starts and finishing with a 2.45 ERA while striking out 10 in 7 1/3 innings.