Blue Jays send Thole to minor-league camp

Josh Thole, left, will join the Blue Jays to replace Henry Blanco, right.

The Toronto Blue Jays sent catcher Josh Thole to minor-league camp on Sunday, leaving Henry Blanco as the team’s backup and expected starter for opening day.

Blanco, who signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract in January, will serve as R.A. Dickey’s personal catcher this season. The 41-year-old worked with the knuckleballer in 2010 while both were with the Mets.

Thole served as Dickey’s personal catcher last season with the Mets and has worked with the Cy Young winner dating back to his rookie season in 2009.

Dickey has a 2.52 ERA in seven games throwing to Blanco, and a 3.14 ERA in 66 games with Thole behind the dish.

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