Blue Jays re-aquire Jon Berti from Cleveland

The Blue Jays have re-acquired infielder Jon Berti from the Cleveland Indians, less than two months after dealing him to the Indians for cash considerations.

According to Keegan Matheson of Baseball Toronto (and other sources), the Blue Jays have re-acquired infielder Jon Berti from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. He has been assigned to Double-A New Hampshire after being acquired during Friday night’s tilt against the Baltimore Orioles.

Berti, 28, was drafted by the Jays in the 18th round of the 2011 draft. In parts of seven seasons in the organization, Berti has played 113 games at Triple-A Buffalo, 272 games at Double-A New Hampshire and 180 games at various A-levels, including stints with the Vancouver Canadians and the Lansing Lugnuts. On April 21st, Berti was dealt to the Indians in a minor trade that is virtually the same as this one.

All in all, Berti’s career minor league slash line is .252/.336/.341 and he has 23 home runs and 94 doubles to his name. He’s a versatile fielder who is able to play left field, third base, and second base.

This season with the Columbus Clippers, Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate, he’s appeared in 25 games, slashing .217/.333/.233 and stealing eight bases. In addition to the aforementioned positions, Berti has logged innings in center field.

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Some have speculated this minor move is in response to the recent disabled list placement of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and while it’s possible that Berti’s acquisition is a depth move to compensate for a lost roster spot, it’s unlikely that one has anything to do with the other.

Guerrero’s injury, which is being described as “a minor knee injury”, is going to keep him off the field for the next week or so, with Fisher Cats officials telling reporters that they’re being extra cautious with Vladdy as to not risk any further injury.

For now, the Troy, Michigan native will head to New Hampshire where he will join the red-hot Fisher Cats in the Eastern League. At this point, he will serve simply as a depth option for the lower minors, filling in wherever he’s needed. Even though he has some experience in the upper minors, it’s unlikely that he’ll see time with Buffalo given the crowded nature of their current roster.

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