March 2, 2012; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher

The Cleveland Indians have claimed right-handed reliever Rick VandenHurk off waivers from the Blue Jays, according to MLB Trade Rumors. He was signed by the Jays in February after being released by the Orioles.

The 6-foot-5 native of Eindhoven, Netherlands spent most of last season pitching for the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles’ Triple-A club. There he tossed over 150 innings and went 9-13 with a 4.43 ERA while also earning a major league call-up, appearing in four games.

Despite making a total of 28 starts last season, the 26-year-old was competing for a spot in the Jays’ crowded bullpen and was ultimately expendable. He didn’t have the strongest spring, as he allowed at least one earned run in each of his five outings and finished with a 9.95 ERA in 6 1/3 innings, including six walks.

- JM

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Sep 26, 2010; Toronto, ON, Canada; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher

In a depth move Wednesday morning, the Blue Jays signed right-handed pitcher Rick VandenHurk, according to the club’s official website.

If VandenHurk, a native of Eindhoven, Netherlands, is able to crack the Major League roster at some point this season, he would be the first Dutch-born player ever to play for the Blue Jays. The 26-year-old appeared in four games for the Orioles this past season, giving up eight earned runs on 12 hits with eight walks and four home runs.

He has spent most of the last three seasons at the Triple-A level, where he went 9-13 with a 4.43 ERA in 154 innings for the Norfolk Tides in 2011 and will likely slot into the Las Vegas 51s’ rotation in 2012.

To make room for VandenHurk on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays placed right-handed reliever Alan Farina on the 60-day disabled list. Farina, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, is set to begin throwing bullpens in less than two weeks, according to MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm via Twitter.

-JM

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