Blue Jays: Infielder Andy Burns rejoins the organization

Andy Burns, who played with the Blue Jays in 2016 and was originally drafted by the team in 2011, has rejoined the organization on a minor league deal, he confirmed Wednesday.

According to Baseball America’s Matt Eddy, the Blue Jays have signed infielder Andy Burns to a minor-league contract. Burns later confirmed the signing on his Twitter account Wednesday afternoon.

Burns, 28, was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 11th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. After spending parts of six seasons in the Blue Jays farm system, the native of Greenville, South Carolina eventually made his major league debut in 2016.

Appearing in 10 major league games in 2016, he slashed .000/.143/.000 with two runs scored in six at-bats. In that short stint with the big club, he logged most of his innings at third base.

After being released by the Blue Jays in January 2017, he signed a one-year deal with the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball Organization. In 116 games for the Giants, he slashed a solid .303/.361/.499 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI and 38 doubles in 423 at-bats.

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In a combined 610 minor league games spread across all levels of competition, he slashed .264/.328/.414 with 55 home runs, 283 RBI, 146 doubles, 17 triples and 335 runs scored.

A versatile fielder — he played at third base, shortstop, second base, first base and left field in the Blue Jays system — he will likely head to Triple-A Buffalo and be assigned to minor-league spring training.

Burns expressed his excitement on Twitter, saying that the Blue Jays are “a first class organization and [he] cannot wait to put the Blue Jays uniform back on.” He also adds that he is “very excited and fortunate” to be back in the MLB following a year abroad.

At this point, the Blue Jays, nor any one of their minor league affiliates, have officially announced the signing.