Blue Jays Claim a Pair, Waive Anderson

February 28, 2013; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Clint Robinson (25) hits a single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsThe Toronto Blue Jays have announced that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Alex Burnett off waivers from the Minnesota Twins and first baseman Clint Robinson off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 25-year-old Burnett was the last man out in the Twins bullpen and was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, but was later placed on outright waivers in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Burnett has appeared in 174 games at the Major League level, all in relief. Over three seasons, he owns an 8-11 record with a 4.61 ERA and a 5.6 K/9 ratio. However, he is coming off of a 2012 campaign that saw Burnett post a 4-4 record with a 3.52 ERA in 67 appearances.

The Blue Jays have optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo to start the season.

The Blue Jays also optioned the 28-year-old Clint Robinson to Double-A New Hampshire. The left-handed hitter got his first taste of the Majors with the Kansas City Royals in 2012, going hitless in four plate appearances. A 25th-Round selection of the Royals in 2007, Robinson has 6 seasons of Minor League experience, owning a lifetime .308 average with 110 home runs and a .902 OPS.

To make room on the roster for the pair, the Blue Jays placed first baseman Lars Anderson on waivers. Toronto had selected Anderson off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on February 25th and assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo on March 14th. At the time of his assignment, it was thought that Anderson would provide the team with organizational depth after the loss of David Cooper. Now the Blue Jays will hope that Anderson clears waivers. If not, Luis Jimenez will serve as the Bisons’ primary first baseman.

One would have to wonder, if in their fit to sign any and all former Blue Jays, will the New York Yankees give Anderson a look?