Blue Jays call up Chad Jenkins, corresponding move to follow

Say goodbye to the six-man bullpen.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have recalled RHP Chad Jenkins from Triple-A Buffalo. The corresponding roster move is not yet known.

Jenkins, 26, has been solid for the Blue Jays with a 3.72 ERA and 1.241 WHIP. This will be the fifth time already this season the former first round pick has been called up to Toronto and will almost undoubtedly be optioned again before rosters expand for good in September.

If I had to guess, the Blue Jays will end up optioning Ryan Goins back to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Jenkins on the active roster. Anthony Gose and Munenori Kawasaki are the only other positional non-catchers on the active roster who can be optioned but with Jose Bautista still taking reps at first base I have a feeling Gose will remain in Toronto.

Goins has been swinging a hot bat since he was called up and has a .788 OPS in 35 plate appearances. However it’s very unlikely he’ll continue to add value with the bat and as nice as he is to watch at second base, it’s probably not enough to justify the Blue Jays keeping him over a player they may lose by designating for assignment.

Possible DFA candidates include Dan Johnson, Steven Tolleson, Juan Francisco, or maybe even the recently acquired Danny Valencia (although that is extremely unlikely). Expect an option to be expended on Gose, Goins or Kawasaki, which is the only way the Jays can avoid the risk of exposing a player to waivers.

Update #1:

Mike Wilner of Sportsnet wonders if Johnson could be headed to the DL.

Originally I wasn’t sure if Kawasaki had an option left but he does. He’s used two option years (2012/2013) so does have one remaining (h/t @ShakeelSalamath).

Update #2:

It’s official – Johnson to the DL.