Marcus Walden wasn’t the Toronto Blue Jays‘ first choice to replace the recently-designated Jeremy Jeffress, but they say the 25-year-old right-hander will help them out nonetheless.
“He’s got a good arm, he’s a strike thrower, he can get some ground balls,” manager John Gibbons said. “He impressed me during spring training. And he’s a guy who can throw some innings for you.”
The Blue Jays initially appeared to promote Chad Jenkins, but had to re-assess because of an MLB rule that prevents teams from recalling optioned players within ten days of being sent down except when injuries are involved. The rule, which prevents teams from shuffling players up and down incessantly, meant the Blue Jays had to select the contract of Walden instead.
The Fresno, Calif. native spent the 2013 season at double-A New Hampshire, where he posted a 3.71 ERA with 88 strikeouts and 50 walks in 162.1 innings. Walden, who was selected in the ninth round of the 2007 draft, figures to be used if the Blue Jays need a long reliever.
REHAB FOR HAPP: Weather permitting J.A. Happ will pitch on a rehab assignment in Dunedin, Fla. Saturday. The left-hander will throw 70-80 pitches, according to Alex Anthopoulos. “We’ll see how he feels and does,” the GM said. It’s not clear where Happ will fit on the Blue Jays roster once he’s activated from the disabled list, as Shi Davidi outlined last week.
BAUTISTA SECOND: Jose Bautista hit second at times in 2013, and it’s possible the Blue Jays will bump him up in the order again.
“We’ve thought about it,” Gibbons said. “For now we want to split the lefties up as much as possible — as far apart as we can.”
When Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion occupy the third and fourth slots in the lineup, the Blue Jays can ensure that Colby Rasmus and Adam Lind aren’t hitting back to back. However, hitting Bautista second would theoretically mean more plate appearances for the Blue Jays’ best hitter over the course of the season.
REYES TAKES THE FIELD: Anthopoulos said Friday that he continues to anticipate a relatively quick recovery for Jose Reyes. The shortstop took batting practice from both sides of the plate Saturday — an encouraging sign for a team that can’t afford to miss Reyes for an extended period.
