Blue Jays Option Rob Rasmussen to make room for Danny Valencia

With the acquisition of utility-man Danny Valencia on Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays needed to make a move to open up roster space for the team’s newest addition. That move came on Tuesday, when the team option left-handed reliever Rob Rasmussen to Buffalo, according to an official team release.

The demotion of Rasmussen is somewhat of an interesting move, as it leaves the Blue Jays with a 6-man bullpen. However, with R.A. Dickey going 7 strong innings on Monday night, the pen is rested and could spare being down an arm. Other candidates for the move were infielders Munenori Kawasaki and Ryan Goins, but Kawasaki has hit well in recent weeks and Goins is coming off of a career game on Monday night.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day

In 10 games with the Blue Jays this season, the 25-year-old Rasmussen has held his own, putting together a 3.18 ERA and a 10.3 K/9 ratio. For the time being, he’ll return to Buffalo where he holds a 2.61 ERA and a 10.2 K/9 ratio over 31 innings of work for the Bisons. However, he could return in 10 days and will likely join the team permanently in September.

As noted, the move was necessitated to make room for the newly acquired Danny Valencia, who the Blue Jays picked up in a trade from the Kansas City Royals. In return, the Jays shipped two players who were considered extra pieces in Triple-A starter Liam Hendriks and third-string catcher Erik Kratz.

No transaction was required for the 40-man roster, as the trade of Kratz opens up the necessary spot on that roster.