Jays take flier on Kimball

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed reliever Cole Kimball off waivers from the Washington Nationals, the team announced Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Kimball appeared in in 12 games for Washington last season, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.93 ERA over 14 innings, his first season in the Major Leagues.

The Great Meadows, New Jersey native held opponents to a .174 average and had scoreless outings in 10 of his 12 appearances.

The 6-3, 225 lb right-hander also pitched in 12 relief outings for the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League and did not allow a run in 13.2 innings, while adding five saves.

Kimball had his season end prematurely after suffering a right shoulder injury leading to rotator cuff surgery on July 13.

The 12th round selection in 2006 by Washington has appeared in 166 career minor league games (45 starts) and has posted a 4.33 ERA with 33 saves, 222 walks and 389 strikeouts in 365.2 innings.

Below: Kimball speaks.