The Toronto Blue Jays are exposing an underperforming outfielder to waivers.
Jesus Sanchez was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, and in a corresponding move, outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. was recalled from triple-A Buffalo, the team announced Friday ahead of a game against the Baltimore Orioles (Sportsnet, 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT).
Sanchez, 28, has been a decent bat for the Blue Jays this season, slashing .260/.318/.416 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 99 games, but has an MLB-leading three errors on the season and only a .955 fielding percentage. He also made other notable outfield blunders that were not scored as errors.
Despite the solid offensive production, Sanchez's play has tailed off in the last month as the Blue Jays push for a playoff spot, batting only .212 with a .679 OPS and one home run in August and September.
"It was weird. It started off on track to what we expected," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on Friday. "The slug just didn't show up. He still hits the ball hard; he swings the bat fast. That was the draw to acquire him. But he just couldn't put it together consistently — either offensively or defensively.
"We were trying to figure it out. He wasn't as athletic as he was last year — both running-wise and in the box. We were trying everything. And you always feel like you've failed a player if you can't get them over the hump. So it was all of that combined that led to the decision. If there was a little bit more power or a little bit more defence, you probably aren't doing it."
The Dominican outfielder was acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros in the off-season, with outfielder Joey Loperfido going the other way.
Martin will be active for Friday's game against the Orioles in what could be his MLB debut after 12 years in the minor leagues.
The third baseman joined the Blue Jays organization in July, when he was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
Martin Jr. has a .253/.351/.379 slash line with three home runs and 11 RBIs across 95 plate appearances. He has also added 12 stolen bases in 27 games.
Martin is known for his speed, having stolen 45 bases this season and 239 in his minor-league career.
1:40
5:46
0:52