Blue Jays DFA Jimmy Paredes, recall Ryan Tepera

The Toronto Blue Jays have designated infielder Jimmy Paredes for assignment and recalled relief pitcher Ryan Tepera from the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Paredes was selected by the Blue Jays off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles just over two weeks ago, and despite lacking a strong defensive position he represented the likeliest option on the roster for a pure bench bat.

Appearing in seven games, Paredes was 4-for-15 with a double, home run, and two RBIs. This move was made possible by the Blue Jays’ roster flexibility in the middle infield, with Ryan Goins, Darwin Barney, and Devon Travis remaining on the roster. Both Goins and Barney are needed for their ability to play shortstop in Troy Tulowitzki’s absence.

Tepera has been recalled to provide a needed breather to the Blue Jays bullpen, which has put in work lately and is coming off an extra-innings loss to the Boston Red Sox. The right-hander has been pitching very well at the triple-A level recently, striking out ten batters over his last nine innings without allowing a run.

Originally included on the opening day 25-man roster prior to the addition of Franklin Morales, Tepera has struggled over his small sample of major league work this season (2.1 IP). In 2015, he pitched 33.0 innings with Toronto for a 3.27 ERA