Blue Jays Call-up Anthony Gose; Option Storey

February 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Gose (8) at bat against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsThe Toronto Blue Jays have called-up top outfield prospect Anthony Gose from Triple-A Buffalo, the team announced prior to Monday’s game against Tampa Bay.

In a corresponding move, the team has optioned right-hander Mickey Storey back to Buffalo.

The 22-year-old Gose will be getting his second taste of Major League action, after appearing in 56 games with the Blue Jays in 2012. During that cup of coffee, the speedy outfielder hit .223 with a .622 OPS and 15 stolen bases in 189 plate appearances.

Gose created quite a stir in Spring Training, where he hit .267 and had an .804 OPS. However, he has thus far struggled a bit at Triple-A Buffalo, where he was hitting a measily .227 with 41 strike-outs in 183 plate appearances at the top of the Bisons’ order.

At the present time, the recall of Gose looks like it is more of a result of needing a bigger bench, especially with Melky Cabrera still nursing sore hamstrings. However, one would have to assume that the Blue Jays don’t want Gose to stay up for long if he is not going to get consistent at bats either.

Still, it is finally good to say that we are no longer rocking the 8-man bullpen and have some badly needed bench depth. Additionally, Gose’s presence will help interject some excitement into a fan base that badly needs something new to cling to.