Connor Cooke promoted to Triple-A Buffalo

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Toronto Blue Jays announced Friday that right-handed pitcher Connor Cooke has been promoted from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate, to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Cooke joined the Fisher Cats from High-A Vancouver on May 16 and made 20 relief appearances, posting a 1-2 record with three saves. He struck out 46 batters and only issued seven walks in 24.2 innings pitched. Cooke held opponents to one run or less in 18 of his 20 outings.

The 23-year-old Sulphur, La., native was selected by the Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This is the first time Cooke has been promoted to Triple-A in his career.

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays signed right-handed pitcher Trevor Clifton to a minor-league deal and assigned him to the Fisher Cats. Clifton is a former member of the Cubs and Diamondbacks organizations. He was a Southern League Mid-Season All-Star in 2017 and 2018 with Double-A Tennessee and pitched in 38 games for Triple-A Iowa.

Before having his contract selected by the Blue Jays, Clifton made 23 appearances this year for the Ottawa Titans in the independent Frontier League. He went 3-1 with a 4.60 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 29.1 innings. Clifton is a 28-year-old from Maryville, Tenn.

The Fisher Cats continue a six-game road series against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Friday at 7:05 p.m. and return home for a six-game series against the Reading Fightin Phils Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

The Fisher Cats play regular-season home games at Delta Dental Stadium through Sunday, September 17. Season ticket memberships, mini-plans, and single-game tickets are available at NHFisherCats.com, via email at [email protected], by phone at (603) 641-2005, and in-person at the Fisher Cats box office on 1 Line Drive in Manchester.