Blue Jays Select The Contract Of LHP Aaron Loup From AA New Hampshire

The Toronto Blue Jays have selected the contract of pitcher Aaron Loup ("the Wolf") from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The Blue Jays had a slot free on the 25-man and the 40-man roster when reliever Luis Perez was placed on the 60-day disabled list.

Toronto will continue to carry an 8-man bullpen. The Jays' bullpen now consists of Andrew Carpenter, Jesse Chavez, Francisco Cordero, Sam Dyson, Jason Frasor, Casey Janssen, Aaron Loup, and Darren Oliver. If you had placed $1 on that as the post-All Star bullpen combination, you would have won a lot of money if there was betting like that.

Aaron Christopher Loup is a 24-year old southpaw who pitched in 37 games, all in relief, in AA this year. Through 45 innings, he recorded an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.324, striking out 43 while walking just 14. He was the Blue Jays' 9th round selection in the 2009 draft as a 21-year old from Tulane University. He was born in Raceland, Louisiana. The Blue Jays have been without an Louisianan in the bullpen since B.J. Ryan.

Loup was a surprise call-up as most Bluebird Banter pundits were figuring that Chad Beck or even Travis Snider would receive the call. Evan Crawford, the only remaining lefty on the 40-man roster, was placed on the 7-day disabled list by AAA Las Vegas on July 3, so he may not have been ready for the recall. When he makes an appearance, Loup will become the Jays' 26th pitcher used this season, the second most in franchise history. He will also become the first ever "Loup" in the Majors.

Welcome to Toronto, Aaron and all the best--we look forward to seeing you make your Major League debut. What do you think of this move?

Thank you to blueandwhite31 for posting this news!