Jays recall Ceciliani, Tulowitzki back in Atlanta?

The Toronto Blue Jays recalled outfielder Darrell Ceciliani prior to Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves.

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO — After matching a career-high in strikeouts per appearance with four during Monday night’s loss to the Atlanta Braves at Rogers Centre, Leonel Campos has been dispatched to Buffalo in exchange for Darrell Ceciliani. 

The only outfielder on Toronto’s 40-man roster who is either A) not injured or B) currently playing below the triple-A level, this promotion will mark Ceciliani’s third stint with the Blue Jays since being acquired from the New York Mets for a player to be named later on February 2, 2016. 

In 21 games with the Bisons this season, the former fourth-round draft pick (2009) is batting .145 with an OPS of .345 across 80 plate appearances on the year. He’s drawn three walks and has only one extra-base hit.

With Steve Pearce landing on the 10-day disabled list after sustaining a right calf strain during Toronto’s 3–2 win over Seattle on Sunday, there was a need for an additional outfielder to support Ezequiel Carrera in left. 

Although there was some consideration given towards using utility men Darwin Barney and Chris Coghlan (who was seen working on turf bounces prior to Monday’s tilt), Toronto’s decision to go with Ceciliani was likely influenced by the fact that infielders Troy Tulowitzki (hamstring) and Josh Donaldson (calf) remain on the DL. 

Through four games with the Blue Jays this season, the right-handed throwing Campos has faced 21 batters while surrendering five hits and two earned runs over five innings of work. 

WARD B

As of Tuesday, Tulowitzki has started two games for Dunedin and is expected to rejoin the Blue Jays when they check into SunTrust Park for the second half of a home and home against the Atlanta Braves later this week.

After re-aggravating his right calf while running the bases on April 14, Donaldson has yet to see game action but, per team management, could return to Toronto’s lineup as early as this weekend against Baltimore. 

Pearce will be heading down to Dunedin to begin rehab this week. 

Russell Martin (left shoulder) was seen running the bases ahead of Monday’s game. He’s eligible to return to the roster this weekend in Baltimore.

Although south pawed rotation mates J.A. Happ and Francisco Liriano continue to throw, no firm timeline has been established for their return.

Toronto has lost a grand total of 256 man games to injury in 2017.

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