The Toronto Blue Jays lost two of three games to the Boston Red Sox over the weekend, but they obtained a consolation prize Monday, claiming first baseman Mauro Gomez off of waivers from Boston. The Blue Jays optioned Gomez to Triple-A Buffalo.
The Blue Jays designated right-hander Dave Bush for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Gomez. Bush, who pitched in Korea in 2012, made his return to the MLB level on Sunday, allowing five runs in a 13-0 loss.
Gomez, a right-handed hitting 28-year-old, made his MLB debut in 2012, appearing in 37 games with Boston. He hit .275/.324/.422 with two home runs while playing first base and third base. The Red Sox had designated Gomez for assignment late last month to clear a 40-man roster spot for Jackie Bradley Jr.
Bush pitched three innings of relief Sunday, allowing five hits, including four home runs, while walking one and striking out one. The Blue Jays selected Bush’s contract from Buffalo Saturday, at which point he acknowledged he’s a different pitcher now than he was when he first pitched for the Blue Jays from 2004-05.
“I don’t have the same stuff that I used to, but I’m smarter about how I use it. I utilize my stuff better — what pitch to throw and when to throw it,” he said. “I try to use scouting reports and use what the hitter gives me.”
Bush, a veteran of nine MLB seasons, pitched for the SK Wyverns last year.
