After a disappointing defensive stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, Jesus Sanchez now has a new home.
The Arizona Diamondbacks claimed Sanchez off waivers on Monday, the Blue Jays announced.
Sanchez was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Friday. The Diamondbacks will assume the remainder of Sanchez's $6.8-million salary this season.
The move also comes just one day after the Diamondbacks designated former Blue Jay Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment.
Sanchez, 28, was a decent bat for the Blue Jays this season, slashing .260/.318/.416 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 99 games, but also had an MLB-leading three errors this season and only a .955 fielding percentage.
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.
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