Toronto Blue Jays claim Jordan Luplow off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, option him to Triple-A

Blue Jays claim Jordan Luplow off waivers from the Braves.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced Wednesday afternoon that the club has claimed first baseman/outfielder Jordan Luplow off of waivers from the Atlanta Braves. He has been optioned to Triple-A. He had been designated for assignment by the Braves so the club could select prized left-handed pitching prospect Dylan Dodd to their 40-man roster.

In a corresponding move, left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu has been formally transferred to the 60-day injured list, giving up his spot on the 40-man roster. Ryu is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will not be back in action until at least mid-July.

In Luplow, the Blue Jays are bringing aboard a versatile player who is an absolute lefty masher. He swings the bat from the right side and has a 125 OPS+ in 227 career games against southpaws. For reference, he has the same amount of games under his belt against righties and has an OPS+ of just 74.

After going out and addressing the big league outfield by bringing aboard Kevin Kiermaier in free agency and Daulton Varsho via trade, the Jays now see the need to fill out the minor league rosters. With Nathan Lukes' promotion to the majors, Wynton Bernard is (or, was) the only experienced outfield option on-hand in Triple-A for the Buffalo Bisons.

Jamie Ritchie, Otto Lopez, Spencer Horwitz, Ernie Clement and even Addison Barger are also available as potential outfield options, but the addition of Luplow will bring a much-needed veteran presence to the Blue Jays' highest affiliate.

Luplow, 29, is a six-year veteran in the majors, suiting up for the Guardians, Pirates, Rays and most recently the Diamondbacks. In that time, he has 45 home runs with 120 RBI and a .213 average alongside an OPS+ of 101. He is a corner outfielder by trade, but has recently added first base and even some center field to his defensive repertoire. Don't be surprised if we see him in the big leagues if an injury comes up to the Blue Jays outfield core.