Jays Journal
FanSided

Blue Jays recalling Chris Colabello, corresponding move coming

By Kyle Franzoni

facebooktwitterreddit

If there has been one consistent thing of late for the Toronto Blue Jays, it is that each day brings with it another roster move for a team looking for answers. According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the latest such move will be the promotion of outfielder/first baseman Chris Colabello.

Colabello, who the Blue Jays claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on December 8th, was recently named the International League Player of the Month for April. The 31-year-old hit .338/.427/.592 with 5 home runs and 16 RBI during the season’s first month and is slashing .337/.421/.554 overall.

With Daric Barton hurt, Colabello has seen most of his playing time at first base, but has also made two appearances in right field. Presumably, he will join the Blue Jays to aid in the outfield with Jose Bautista still unable to throw due to a sore shoulder.

A corresponding move will still need to be announced, but per Davidi the team is not expected to place anyone on the disabled list to clear space. That would seem to indicate that Michael Saunders, who had fluid drained from his knee prior to Monday’s game against the Yankees, will not need more DL time. However, with the Blue Jays sporting the walking wounded with both Saunders and Bautista banged up, the team was forced to start an outfield with Danny Valencia, Kevin Pillar, and Ezequiel Carrera last night, and finished with Ryan Goins in right after Carrera was pinch-hit for in the 7th.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

Of the Blue Jays on the roster who could be moved to make room, Carrera seems the most likely. The 27-year-old outfielder has collected 4 hits in 7 at-bats since being recalled on Saturday. However, as one of the only Blue Jays with options available, Carrera could be expendable. Jonathan Diaz could also be a contender for that demotion, but as the only back-up middle infielder on the roster, it is unlikely that he will be demoted at this time.

Toronto would also need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for Colabello. Toronto lost both Andy Wilkins and Matt West to the 40-man roster crunch in recent days, leaving the possible pickings limited. The Blue Jays had a slew of relievers at Triple-A who could potentially be designated to clear room, but Bo Schultz, Presto Guilmet, Ryan Tepera, and Colt Hynes are all performing well at Triple-A. Toronto also has Jayson Aquino in Dunedin and while he’s pitching well, the 23-year-old is a ways away from helping the Blue Jays and could be the most likely to go.

Stay tuned as we keep an eye out for the corresponding roster moves for Colabello’s recall.

UPDATE:

To accomodate Colabello, the Blue Jays have optioned Jonathan Diaz to Triple-A Buffalo and also designated Jayson Acquino for assingment, per a team announcement on Twitter.

Next: What's next for Miguel Castro

More from Jays Journal

Home/Toronto Blue Jays News