Marcus Walden lost his 40-man roster spot Tuesday, as the Toronto Blue Jays designated the reliever for assignment to create space for Munenori Kawasaki. The Blue Jays officially selected Kawasaki’s contract, promoting the fan favourite for infield depth in the absence of Maicer Izturis, who sustained a severe knee injury in Baltimore Sunday.
The Blue Jays placed Izturis on the 15-day disabled list in a related move to create 25-man roster space for Kawasaki. When the team needs another 40-man roster spot GM Alex Anthopoulos can consider shifting Izturis to the 60-day disabled list. Izturis now needs surgery after tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee, and will likely need four to six months to recover.
The Blue Jays also announced that right-hander Jeremy Jeffress was outrighted to triple-A Buffalo after clearing waivers. The Blue Jays designated him for assignment during the first week of the season, but rival MLB teams decided against claiming him on waivers.
Kawasaki will be in the mix for playing time on the Blue Jays’ infield starting now. While Ryan Goins and Jonathan Diaz figure to start at second base and shortstop for Toronto until Jose Reyes returns, the left-handed hitting Kawasaki could be relied upon in a reserve role.
Walden started 26 games for double-A New Hampshire in 2013, posting a 3.71 ERA with 88 strikeouts and 50 walks in 162.1 innings. He had been optioned to the minor leagues last week when Neil Wagner was promoted.