Blue Jays Designate Andy LaRoche, Add Wang

Mar 5, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Andy LaRoche (70) hits a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the bottom of the second inning of a spring training game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsWith every roster move by the Toronto Blue Jays, there is unfortunately a victim of the numbers game. This time, it is third baseman Andy LaRoche, who Toronto designated for assignment on Tuesday, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.CA.

The move was made necessary in order for the Blue Jays to clear roster space for Chien-Ming Wang, who is slated to draw the start for Toronto on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old LaRoche made his first Major League appearance since 2011 on June 9th, going 0-4 with a strike-out while starting at third base.

However, he has been a solid contributor to the team’s Triple-A franchise in Buffalo, posting a .282 average with 7 home runs, 32 RBI, and a .821 OPS for the Bisons.

It’ll be interesting to see if LaRoche clears waivers, and if so, if he is willing to accept an assignment to return to Buffalo. Last season, LaRoche asked for his release from the Cleveland Indians after being designated for assignment before eventually signing a Minor League pact with the Boston Red Sox.

LaRoche could continue to provide solid depth at Triple-A should he return to Buffalo, but he also has a reputation as a Quad-A player, so it comes down to what opportunities are laid in front of him.