Toronto Blue Jays Roster Moves: August 3rd, 2018

Moves and transactions from the morning of August 3rd, 2018, including the demotion of an outfield prospect and the claiming of a short-term arm.

Drake Moves to Minny

According to the team’s official PR account, right-handed pitcher Oliver Drake was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins Friday. Claimed by the Jays on July 26th, he was designated for assignment on July 30th.

In 1.2 innings for the Jays in his brief tenure, he allowed three earned runs while striking out two and surrendering four hits. Drake, 31, has also played for the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, and Baltimore Orioles since his career began in 2015.

Sweeney DFA’d

The team’s PR department also announced Friday that utilityman Darnell Sweeney was designated for assignment to make room for the newly signed Mike Hauschild. A former Philadelphia Phillie, Sweeney appeared in just one game since being recalled.

An outfielder by trade, Sweeney was hitless in four plate appearances, walking twice. The 27-year-old has slashed .235/.310/.398 in 68 games for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons this season.

Smith Sent Down Again

Dwight Smith Jr., one of the most exciting young outfielders in the Blue Jays system, was sent down to Triple-A Buffalo prior to the start of Thursday night’s game to make room for incoming closer Ken Giles, who joined the team in Seattle shortly before first pitch.

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In his most recent stint with the big club, Smith slashed .190/.308/.381 in 10 games, striking out six times and walking thrice in 21 at-bats since July 13th. The 25-year-old speedster will return to the International League, where he has slashed .249/.351/.358 in 57 games.

Heidt Down a Level

According to the Eastern League transactions page, the Buffalo Bisons have assigned second baseman Gunnar Heidt to Double-A New Hampshire. A 13th round pick of the Blue Jays in 2014, Heidt has also appeared at third base and shortstop throughout his brief minor league career, which spans six leagues and covers over 450 games.

This season with the Bisons, he’s slashed .286/.333/.286 in four games, slashing .219/.285/.316 in 74 games with the Fisher Cats prior to his initial promotion. Additionally, he stole six bases with the Cats and drove in 25 runs in 247 at-bats.