Blue Jays Claim Utilityman Canzler

Sep 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Russ Canzler (4) hits a double against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY SportsThe waiver wire madness continues to rage on for the Alex Anthopoulos and the Toronto Blue Jays. On Friday, the team claimed utility-man Russ Canzler off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. He had been put on waivers in order to clear a roster spot in Cleveland for the newly signed Mark Reynolds.

The 26-year-old Canzler played in 26 games for the Indians in 2012, getting 97 plate appearances in the process and hitting .269 with 3 home runs and 11 RBI in the process. He would see time at first base, left field, and designated hitter.

In nine seasons spread spent in the minors with the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians, Canzler is a career .278 hitter with an OPS of .819. He has shown decent pop in the minor leagues, hitting 18 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons. Canzler also brings a good deal of positional versatility, having played first base, third base, and the corner outfield positions in the minors. That versatility will likely get Canzler a look in spring training for a possible bench spot in 2013.

For Toronto to add him to the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays outrighted right-hander Mickey Storey to Triple-A Buffalo. Storey had been claimed earlier in the week off waiver from the Houston Astros.