Blue Jays Recall Ramon Ortiz, Designate Casper Wells

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Feb 18, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ramon Ortiz (34) during photo day at Florida Auto Exchange Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsThe Toronto Blue Jays have announced that the team has selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Ramon Ortiz from Triple-A Buffalo and have designated outfielder Casper Wells for assignment. The team announced the move via a press release on Twitter.

Toronto had claimed the 28-year-old Wells off of waivers from the Seattle Mariners on April 10th, and then activated him on April 12th, but the outfielder had yet to appear in a game with the Blue Jays. Wells is a .246 career hitter and can play all three outfield positions. If Wells is not claimed within three days, the Blue Jays can then option him to Triple-A Buffalo or grant him his outright release.

The selection of Ramon Ortiz is a curious move, as it signals that Toronto will once again go with an 8-man bullpen, at least until Brett Lawrie is activated at the end of the week.

The 40-year-old Ortiz signed with the Blue Jays as a minor league free agent this winter. He has appeared in just one game with Triple-A Buffalo, surrendering 2 earned runs over 5 innings pitched. The right-handed Ortiz last pitched at the Major League level with the Chicago Cubs in 2011, posting a 1-2 record and a 4.86 ERA in 22 appearances.