Pop worked a scoreless seventh inning Thursday to record his second hold of the season in a win over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Entering the game to protect a two-run lead, Pop needed only seven pitches (six strikes) to set down the middle of Detroit's batting order. The right-hander has been effective since his promotion in late April, posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB in 10 innings, but he could be the pitcher who gets bumped out of the big-league bullpen when Chad Green (shoulder) comes off the IL.

The Blue Jays recalled Pop from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

With Yariel Rodriguez (back) headed for the injured list, Pop will return to the majors to provide additional depth to Toronto's bullpen. Pop accumulated a 6.59 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 13.2 innings with the Blue Jays last season, though he's fared much better this year in Triple-A, allowing two earned runs across 9.2 frames. He'll presumably serve in middle relief while in the big leagues.

The Blue Jays optioned Pop to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Toronto demoted Pop and Yariel Rodriguez one day before its season opener at Tampa Bay, likely signaling that Wes Parsons and Nate Pearson have secured the final spots in the club's Opening Day bullpen. Pop, who owns a 3.94 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 107.1 innings over parts of three seasons in the majors, will likely be up with Toronto at some point in 2024, but he'll likely be ticketed for a low-leverage role out of the bullpen whenever he's summoned from Triple-A.

Pop could break camp in the big-league bullpen if Jordan Romano (elbow) or Erik Swanson (forearm) need to begin the season on the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pop still has minor-league options remaining, so it was expected he would begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo, but there may be a need for him right away to begin the campaign. The 27-year-old right-hander made 15 appearances for Toronto in 2023, and while he struck out 14 batters in 13.2 innings, six walks and four homers allowed contributed to a 6.59 ERA. Pop would work in low-leverage situations should he begin the campaign in the majors.

The Blue Jays reinstated Pop (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Sunday and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Before landing on the IL on May 5 with a strained right hamstring, Pop was a fringe member of the Blue Jays' 26-man active roster after compiling a 6.59 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 13.2 innings over his 15 relief appearances. Though Pop is now healthy again after making eight rehab appearances over the course of two separate assignments with Buffalo, the Blue Jays don't have a spot available for another low-leverage reliever.

Pop (hamstring) restarted a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pop had to be pulled off his initial rehab assignment earlier this month following a setback with his right hamstring, but he returned to game action over the weekend and is slated for another appearance with Buffalo on Wednesday. The reliever might be ready for activation after that if he can avoid another setback.

Pop is back in Toronto being evaluated after feeling renewed discomfort in his right hamstring during his most recent rehab appearance, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

It had seemed like Pop's return to the Blue Jays' bullpen was imminent, but now he's hit a bump in the road. It's not clear at this point how big of a setback it is. He's been sidelined since early May.

Pop (hamstring) is scheduled to make another rehab appearance Friday with Low-A Dunedin, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pop worked around a walk and a hit-by-pitch to deliver a scoreless inning Tuesday in his rehab debut with Dunedin. He should be a consideration for the Blue Jays' bullpen sometime next week, assuming all continues to go well on the farm. The right-hander has been out since May 5 with a right hamstring strain.

Pop (hamstring) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

The workout will be a significant step forward for Pop, who has been on the shelf since May 5 because of a right hamstring strain. He could head out on a minor-league rehab assignment sometime next week if all continues to go smoothly and might be an option again for the Blue Jays' bullpen in early June.

Pop (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pop has been on the shelf for the last two weeks with a strained right hamstring but would appear close to heading out on a rehab assignment. The reliever posted a 6.59 ERA over 15 appearances before getting hurt.