Steve Delabar optioned by Toronto Blue Jays to Triple-A

The Toronto Blue Jays have optioned right-handed reliever Steve Delabar to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons to make room for infielder Munenori Kawasaki who has been called up ahead of tonight’s game in New York.

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet was first to report the news on Twitter.

Many of the Blue Jays beat writers thought Delabar would be heading to the DL instead of Triple-A so the news comes as somewhat as a surprise to many Jays’ fans.

Delabar, 30, has struggled with command this year and is walking 5.8 batters per nine. He’s giving up nearly twice as many home runs this year compared to last and although his HR/FB rate of 10.3% is around league average it’s much higher than the 6.2% he posted in 2013. However all in all the combination of walks and home runs makes for an atrocious FIP of 5.25 (his xFIP isn’t much better at 5.19).

Delabar was an All-Star in 2013 but so far this year hasn’t been able to duplicate even close to the same level of success. Regardless, he probably deserved a longer leash but as a reliever with options and the Blue Jays in contention it was likely the best decision for the club.

According to Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star, manager John Gibbons wanted to have another bench player with Lind hoping to avoid a stint on the DL, hence the call-up of infielder Munenori Kawasaki, which was leaked last night.

Chris Toman of Gamereax did an excellent Q&A with Delabar recently at Gamereax so if you haven’t already go make sure you check out that piece.