Blue Jays activate Casey Janssen from DL, designate Chris Getz

Mar 24, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Casey Janssen (44) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In a surprise roster move, the Toronto Blue Jays have activated closer Casey Janssen from the disabled list prior to Sunday’s game with the Los Angeles Angels. In the official team release (via Twitter), the team also announced that they have designated infielder Chris Getz for assignment as the corresponding roster move.

The move comes as a bit of a surprise as Janssen was scheduled to make one additional appearance with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Sunday prior to being activated. However, the Blue Jays appear to have seen enough from Janssen to feel they were comfortable with activating him a day earlier. In three appearances with the Fisher Cats, Janssen threw three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out a pair.

The return of Toronto’s closer will come as a relief to a team that has struggled to get late inning contributions from their bullpen this year. Janssen has posted a 5-2 record, a 2.55 ERA, 56 saves, and a 9.1 K/9 ratio.

To make room for Janssen, the Blue Jays designated infielder Chris Getz for assignment. If he clears waivers, he will be optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo.

The 30-year-old Getz has been with the Blue Jays since April 29th, when his contract was purchased from Buffalo in order to take over for the struggling Ryan Goins. However, Getz did not do much to improve the anemic offense from Toronto’s second basemen, collecting just 4 hits in 28 plate appearances with the Blue Jays.

For now, the plan seems to be that Toronto will go with Steve Tolleson as the team’s second baseman against left-handed pitchers, and then slide Brett Lawrie from 3B to 2B against right-handers. That would give Juan Francisco the starts at third base when Lawrie is manning the keystone.