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Toronto Blue Jays send down one pitcher and call another up ahead of their Chicago Cubs series.

The Toronto Blue Jays are gunning for first place in the MLB‘s American League East. Unfortunately, they are currently nine games back of the New York Yankees, not to mention that the Tampa Bay Rays also stand in their way. However, the Blue Jays have announced news involving Brendon Little and Chad Dallas ahead of their series against the Chicago Cubs.

Every game from here until the trade deadline has increased importance. This is the time of the year that every club evaluates where their team stands. Imperfections are magnified and finding a specific role that makes you invaluable is that much more vital to retaining a roster spot.

Between now and the trade deadline the Blue Jays will play the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and the Chicago White Sox just to name a few.

Here is what you need to know about the moves that the Blue Jays made ahead of Game 1 of their latest series against the Cubs.

Toronto Blue Jays News: Brendon Little Called Up

The Blue Jays have announced that they have brought up Brendon Little from the Buffalo Bisons. Little was sent down to the minors back in April after he struggled to start the season.

In five games before his demotion, Little posted a 0-2 record to go along with six strikeouts and two blown saves in 3.2 innings of work.

Since his demotion, Little has played 24 games in AAA. In those games, he finished with a 5-0 record, two holds, two saves, and 32 strikeouts in 23.1 innings of work.

Before the move was announced, Arden Zwelling shared a post on social media regarding Little’s status with the Blue Jays.

“Brendon Little is with the Blue Jays in Chicago,” the Sportsnet reporter shared. “Club hasn’t made a roster move yet but one could potentially be coming prior to first pitch. Little’s pitched to a 2.31 ERA with a 31.7 K% and 18.8 BB% over 24 appearances with Buffalo since he was optioned in early April.”

Chad Dallas Sent Down

As the corresponding move, the Blue Jays sent down Chad Dallas.

In one MLB game, Dallas recorded two strikeouts and two walks in 3.2 innings.