The Toronto Blue Jays optioned reliever Scott Copeland to triple-A Buffalo Thursday, creating roster space for an addition before Friday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins.
Copeland, 27, appeared in two games for the Blue Jays, pitching three scoreless innings. The right-hander debuted on May 2 and pitched again the following day, but had not been used since. He also started six games for the Bisons this year, posting a 2.43 ERA in 37 innings.
It’s not clear how the Blue Jays will replace Copeland, but they have a variety of options. Catcher Dioner Navarro has been rehabbing a hamstring injury with the Bisons and is progressing toward MLB readiness. However, manager John Gibbons said Wednesday that the Blue Jays are unlikely to carry three catchers at once.
Alternatively, the Blue Jays could call on a pitcher and maintain a seven-man bullpen. Bo Schultz (1.69 ERA) and Randy Wolf (1.95 ERA) are among the many Bisons pitchers excelling so far in 2015.
Toronto’s 40-man roster is full.
