Blue Jays activate J.A. Happ, option Dominic Leone to triple-A

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dominic Leone walks back up the mound after giving up a home run (Fred Thornhill/CP)

The Toronto Blue Jays optioned Dominic Leone to triple-A Buffalo Tuesday in a move that creates room on the active roster for starter J.A. Happ, who returns from the disabled list for a start against the Cincinnati Reds.

Leone, who pitched two scoreless innings Monday, has thrown well for the Blue Jays, but can be sent to the minors without having to clear waivers. The Blue Jays have a seven-man bullpen after sending Leone to Buffalo.

Happ, meanwhile, returns to make his first MLB start since April 16. The left-hander, who recently made a rehab start with the Blue Jays’ Dunedin affiliate, had been sidelined with elbow inflammation.

The Blue Jays will need to create another roster spot this weekend when Francisco Liriano’s slated to return from the DL against the New York Yankees.

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