The Toronto Blue Jays re-signed infielder Jonathan Diaz to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to 2015 spring training, the team announced Wednesday.
The 29-year-old appeared in 23 games for the Blue Jays in 2014, playing five different positions: second base, shortstop and all three outfield positions. He was granted minor league free agency earlier in the month along with former Blue Jays Bobby Korecky, Brad Mills, Cole Gillespie and Darin Mastroianni.
Diaz, a 12th round selection by the Blue Jays in 2006, debuted with the Red Sox in 2013 and obtained a World Series ring for his five-game stint with Boston. He re-signed with the Blue Jays before the 2014 season and spent most of the year at triple-A Buffalo.
In 45 big league plate appearances this year, the 5-foot-9 Diaz batted .158 with a .440 OPS. He produced more on offence in 92 games with the Bisons, batting .205 with a .615 OPS and 13 doubles. Still, with a lifetime OPS of .651 in the minor leagues, Diaz’s value comes primarily from his defence and versatility.
Barring the unforeseen, Diaz appears to be a candidate to open the 2015 season with the Bisons.