Blue Jays option Kawasaki to make room for Pennington

Cliff Pennington's excitement was clear as he spoke to Barry Davis about being the newest guy in a crop of new guys to help the Blue Jays make their playoff push, even cracking a joke at Troy Tulowitzki's expense.

Sportsnet Staff August 9, 2015, 10:55 AM

The Toronto Blue Jays optioned Munenori Kawasaki to triple-A Buffalo on Sunday morning to make room for newly acquired infielder Cliff Pennington.

ROSTER MOVE: Cliff Pennington has reported today and INF Munenori Kawasaki has been optioned to @BuffaloBisons (AAA)

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 9, 2015

The Blue Jays received Pennington, 31, in a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in exchange for minor-league shortstop Dawel Lugo.

A switch-hitter who’s spent parts of eight seasons in the big leagues, Pennington can play second base, shortstop and third base. He’s expected to provide depth to the Blue Jays’ middle infield while second baseman Devon Travis recovers from a shoulder injury.

Pennington hit .237/.314/.281 in 72 games with Arizona this season.

Kawasaki, recalled by the Blue Jays on Aug. 1, played in just two games in his most recent stint with the big-league club.

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