Blue Jays activate Kevin Pillar, option Ryan Tepera

The Toronto Blue Jays have activated centre-fielder Kevin Pillar from the 15-day disabled list (thumb) ahead of Tuesday’s series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In a corresponding move, right-handed reliever Ryan Tepera has been optioned back to the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.


After a breakout season in 2015, Pillar has continued to hold a strong value for the Blue Jays despite regressing somewhat at the plate. The 27-year-old has hit .261 with a .292 on-base percentage, walking in just 2.9% of his at-bats this season.

With Pillar’s excellent defence maintaining a high level, though, his fWAR remains at 2.8 in 2016. He now enters an outfield picture with Melvin Upton Jr., who has been playing centre in his absence, Ezequiel Carrera, and the struggling Michael Saunders.

The outfield dynamic will introduce another factor soon when Jose Bautista returns from a knee injury. Given that Bautista is coming off his second disabled list stint of the season, he could be in line for extended looks as a designated hitter. This move would push Edwin Encarnacion into a primary defensive role at first base and result in Justin Smoak coming off the bench.

Tepera should be no stranger to the trip between the Blue Jays and Bisons now, but is a very safe bet to be recalled when rosters expand in September. In 9.1 innings at the MLB level this season, Tepera has allowed three runs on nine hits with seven strikeouts.