Phil Coke’s brief stint with the Blue Jays is over, as Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports that the veteran reliever declined an optional assignment to Triple-A Buffalo and has opted for free agency instead.
Coke began this season with the Cubs after making the team out of spring training, but he was cut loose about a month ago after posting a 6.30 ERA over 16 appearances. The southpaw signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays a few days later and made three appearances at the Triple-A level before joining the major league bullpen last weekend. He allowed one run over 2 2/3 innings in two appearances with the club.
Coke doesn’t turn 33 until July and has enjoyed success against left-handed batters in his career, so it shouldn’t be long before he finds a new opportunity.
