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A.J. Jimenez clears waivers, Donaldson hoping to return Friday

By Keegan Matheson |
Apr 5, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jays catcher A.J. Jimenez will look to put together a healthy season with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons to keep himself in the Major League picture

The Blue Jays received more good news from the waiver wire on Thursday afternoon as catcher A.J. Jimenez has cleared and been outrighted to triple-A Buffalo.

There were trade rumours surrounding Jimenez late in spring training when teams like the Houston Astros were seeking a backup option of their own, but he now remains with the organization that originally selected him in the eighth round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. 

Catching dept is one of Toronto’s weaker positions, and should Russell Martin suffer an injury at the Major League level, it’s conceivable that the Blue Jays would prefer to recall an option like Tony Sanchez to take the starting duties ahead of Josh Thole. Now Jimenez will be given the opportunity to earn the job as “next catcher up”.

A backup job could also be available in 2017, assuming that Thole leaves with the expiring contract of R.A. Dickey.

Injuries have come at a relentless pace for Jimenez (something we’re again seeing with top catching prospect Max Pentecost). In 89 career triple-A games across three different seasons, Jimenez has a batting line of ..247 / .292 / .339.

Josh Donaldson targeting home opener

Speaking of injuries, third baseman Josh Donaldson is still aiming for a Friday return from a minor calf injury that forced him out of Toronto’s final game in Tampa Bay.


Artificial turf can be particularly difficult on an athlete’s calf muscles, so especially given the early point in the season, Toronto will exercise an approach of caution with the reigning American League Most Valuable Player.

Friday’s home opener also marks Toronto’s first game at the Rogers Centre with a full dirt infield, something that could limit the wear on Donaldson. If John Gibbons wants to ease Donaldson in, he could choose to DH him with Edwin Encarnacion at first base where he played nearly 500 innings in 2015.

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