Blue Jays reportedly claim Jimmy Paredes

The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly claimed Jimmy Paredes off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.

Paredes recently completed a rehab assignment after dealing with a wrist injury throughout March and April. The 27-year-old was hit by a pitch prior to the season and was originally thought to have a stress fracture. Although he avoided a more serious injury, he suffered a setback prior to opening day and was forced to spend time on the disabled list.

Paredes was originally signed as an international free agent by the New York Yankees out of the Dominican Republic in 2006. After appearing primarily as a part-time player for the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles from 2011 to 2014, Paredes finally found consistent at-bats last season.

Over 384 plate appearances with the Orioles last year, primarily as a designated hitter, Paredes hit .275 with ten home runs and 42 runs batted in. His strikeout total was troubling, however, with 111 compared to just 19 walks.

A switch-hitter, Paredes hit right-handed pitching better in 2015 with a slightly higher average but much stronger power numbers.

He also brings some level of positional versatility, having appeared in games at third base, second base, and in right field for the Orioles last season.

Paredes does not become arbitration eligible until after this current season.