Blue Jays Designate INF Gio Urshela for Assignment

Gio Urshela appeared in 19 games for the Jays, playing primarily at shortstop and third base to fill in for injured Blue Jay infielders.

According to a tweet by the team, the Blue Jays have designated Gio Urshela for assignment ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Houston Astros. Hazel Mae of Sportsnet and Kaitlyn McGrath of the Athletic also confirmed this report soon after.

This move comes as a corresponding move to the promotion of left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki. Borucki’s promotion was reported by several outlets as he was expected to make his major league debut on Tuesday.

Urshela, 26, hails from Colombia and began his major league career with the Cleveland Indians. In 148 games for the Tribe, he slashed .225/.283/.314 with seven home runs and 36 RBI. In that span, he was worth a cumulative -0.8 WAR.

He was acquired by the Blue Jays on May 9th for a player to be named later or cash and has since appeared in 19 games. He slashed a pedestrian .233/.283/.326, hitting one home run and striking out 10 times in 46 plate appearances.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

He racked up 14 total bases and walked just twice in 43 registered at-bats, adding a double and ten hits to his season totals. He appeared at shortstop in eight games and appeared at third base in 10 games. He was used as a pinch runner three times and had a single appearance as a designated hitter.

Urshela’s main selling point was his defense, which was solid during his brief tenure north of the border. According to Fangraphs, he has a career 5.6 UZR at third base, his primary position. He mostly served as a defensive replacement to give the regulars a rest.

Unfortunately for him though, his wRC+ of 67 was not good enough to warrant keeping his glove on the bench. At this point, it is unknown who will take his spot on the infield rotation, though many have speculated (and adamantly suggested) that Lourdes Gurriel Jr. be called up to gain some more major league experience.

Additionally, had he remained with the team, he would have been arbitration eligible in 2020, becoming a free agent following the 2023 season. As always, Jays Journal will continue to monitor this story to see whether or not Urshela is part of any other minor moves.

Next: Blue Jays: Could the Angels be trading partners?