Toronto Blue Jays call up RHP Yariel Rodriguez, option righty Paolo Espino

The Toronto Blue Jays recalled right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodriguez and optioned RHP Paolo Espino to Triple-A in a corresponding move on Saturday.

Rodriguez, 27, will make his MLB debut for the Blue Jays as a starter against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, the team announced.

The Cuban signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Blue Jays this offseason, but began the season in Triple-A. Rodriguez has not allowed two runs against the Bisons this season, allowing one hit and three walks on 10 strikeouts.

He spent the last three seasons in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons, but impressed major league scouts at the 2023 World Baseball Classic pitching for Cuba, where he posted a 2.45 earned run average in 7.1 innings over two starts.

The Blue Jays enter Saturday at 6-8 after losing their last two games. Ace Kevin Gausman hit a home run in Friday's 12-4 loss to the Rockies.