Blue Jays Designate A.J. Jimenez for Assignment

The 26-year-old catcher was removed from the 40 man roster to make room for recent bullpen acquisition Joe Smith

The Toronto Blue Jays officially announced both J.P. Howell and Joe Smith‘s deals today. Earlier on, Chad Girodo was designated to make room for Howell. Rather than do another one for one reliever swap, the Jays elected to swap Jimenez for Smith. Jimenez, who hit for a .228 average with the Buffalo Bisons in 2016 was also designated for assignment last winter to make room for Jesus Montero before making it back to the Bisons. Jimenez has been a Jay his entire career.

Jimenez is no longer the necessity he was just a few weeks ago. The Blue Jays have newly found depth at the catching position with the recently signed Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Juan Graterol. The Jays have room to breath at the backstop position as Saltalamacchia figures to be the backup for everyday catcher Russell Martin and should make the majors despite being a minor league signing.

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Recent pickup Graterol hit for a .300 average in triple-A last year and would be able to handle regular duties behind the plate for Buffalo this year.

Additionally, the Blue Jays have some young prospects at the position. Jays Journal’s ranked young Max Pentecost 17th on our prospect list and Reese McGuire 14th. Both of them could contend for a job with the Bisons at some point in 2017.

Next: Blue Jays sign Jake Elmore for IF depth

With Spring Training just days away, the Blue Jays will no doubt make more amendments to their 40 man roster. Stay tuned to Jays Journal for all the latest.