The Toronto Blue Jays have bolstered their organizational depth with a right-handed hitting outfielder. They announced Wednesday that they claimed outfielder Casper Wells on waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
The Blue Jays designated right-hander Alex Burnett for assignment in a related move that opens up a 40-man roster spot for Wells, an out-of-options 28-year-old who had been designated for assignment by the Mariners late last month.
Wells likely appeals to the Blue Jays because of his career .264/.349/.489/.838 line against left-handed pitching. He appeared in 96 games for the Mariners in 2012, hitting 10 home runs with an overall .228/.302/.396 batting line in 96 games.
The Blue Jays will return to a seven-man bullpen once Wells reports, Sportsnet’s Barry Davis writes. This could threaten the roster spot of reliever Edgar Gonzalez.
The Blue Jays currently have a starting outfield of Melky Cabrera, Colby Rasmus and Jose Bautista with Rajai Davis and Emilio Bonifacio providing additional outfield depth. The Blue Jays would have to make a corresponding move to add Wells to the active roster.
Toronto claimed Burnett off of waivers late in spring training, and assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo. Burnett made two appearances with Buffalo and didn’t allow a run.