Blue Jays Send Melky To DL; Recall Kawasaki

Jun 26, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) hits a RBI single during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After Thursday’s loss to the Boston Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays placed left fielder Melky Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis, according to Jason Mastrodonato of MLB.com.

The 28-year-old Cabrera started in left field on Thursday night and proceeded to go 1 for 4 in the game. However, he was relegated to DH duties during Wednesday’s series finale in Tampa and has been seemingly slowed by bad knees and sore hamstrings all season long.

At the time of his placement on the DL, Cabrera was hitting .278 with 3 home runs, 29 RBI, and .684 OPS. All numbers are a far cry from Cabrera’s break-out production over the last two seasons.

To take his place on the active roster, the Blue Jays have recalled shortstop Munenori Kawasaki from Triple-A Buffalo. Kawasaki had just been optioned to Buffalo on Tuesday when Jose Reyes was activated from the disabled list.

The affable Kawasaki was a tough cut at the time, as he had made a huge impact on both the team and the fan base while filling in for Reyes since early April.

The 32-year-old shortstop hit just .225 in 185 plate appearances for the Blue Jays this season, but owns a solid .337 on-base percentage and played plus defense at shortstop.

By adding Kawasaki, the Blue Jays will use Rajai Davis and Emilio Bonifacio as the primary outfield replacement for Carbera. Mark DeRosa also has some experience in the outfield, but Toronto is likely less inclined to use the oft-injured DeRosa there if possible.