The Toronto Blue Jays have moved away beleaguered utility man Emilio Bonifacio to the Kansas City Royals. In return the Blue Jays will receive a player to be named later or cash.
Bonifacio was acquired as part of the blockbuster off-season trade between the Blue Jays and Miami Marlins that also brought Jose Reyes, Mark Buerhle, and Josh Johnson to Toronto. Bonifacio was supposed to bring the Blue Jays the utility to play 2nd base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots and bring some speed on the basepaths.
The problem is that Bonifacio has never quite worked out in Toronto. To say that the 28-year-old has struggled at the plate is generous, as he’s been downright brutal posting a 218/.258/.321 line with three homeruns and 20 RBIs in 94 games. On the basepaths he’s added 12 stolen bases but has been caught stealing 6 times as well. His defence, no matter where he’s been put, has been attrocious at best.
“I think we expected him to be a better player, a better player overall,” said Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos on Wednesday. “I think there’s no doubt about that, we thought we’d get more out of him offensively, defensively, all of it.
“That didn’t happen. I don’t want to diminish his talent or take away his work ethic.”
This seems like a clear dump for the Jays, while the Royals hope that a change of scenery can get Bonifacio back to the promise he showed in a Marlins uniform and add some utility depth and speed to their bench as they are in the race for the playoffs and saw shortstop Miguel Tejada go down with an injury recently.
The Blue Jays also placed center fielder Colby Rasmus on the 15-day Disabled List.
With two roster spots open the Blue Jays have recalled utility infielder Munenori Kawasaki and outfielder Kevin Pillar from Triple-A Buffalo.
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