According to reports out of Baltimore, the Blue Jays have claimed infielder Jimmy Paredes off waivers from the Orioles.
Heard #bluejays have claimed Jimmy Paredes off waivers from the #orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) May 16, 2016
Paredes is a 27 years old switch-hitter who was initially signed as an amateur free agent by the Yankees in 2006, and bounced through several organizations before reaching the majors in 2011 with the Houston Astros. He is best known by Jays fans for his time with the Orioles, and has been primarily a DH for them over the last couple of seasons, though he has played second base, third base, and both corner outfield positions. He suffered a wrist injury in spring training prior to this season, and recently completed a rehab assignment. Out of options, and with no spot on the roster, the Orioles attempted to sneak Paredes through waivers, but he was claimed by the Blue Jays. With the move, the Jays now have a full 40-man roster.
Paredes’ career slash line is an uninspiring .257/.293/.369. Like many switch hitters, he is stronger hitting left-handed, with a career line of .271/.305/.395 hitting from that side of the plate. He was effective as a part time player over the last couple years with the Orioles, hitting .279/.312/.425, but struggled in midseason after a hot start to 2015. However, he rebounded in September/October, hitting .308/.357/.306 in 28 plate appearances. He continued that success during his rehab assignment (.309/.377/.401) But with Paredes primarily being a DH/3B/2B, and their lineup well fortified with DH types and Manny Machado/Jonathan Schoop, the Orioles probably determined he was expendable.
For the Jays, Paredes provides bench depth, and a potential pinch-hitting option for a lineup that has had several regulars struggle to start the season. He’ll likely get time at DH, and perhaps at second base for the light hitting tandem of Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney or to give Josh Donaldson the occasional day off. The obvious candidate to get bounced for Paredes would be the recently recalled Andy Burns (unless there’s an injury we haven’t heard about). Burns hasn’t had many chances to impress his new team, having played in four games since his recall, and having only three unsuccessful at-bats. He will likely go back to AAA and continue to play all over the diamond for the Bisons. It’s also possible perhaps the Jays could try and sneak Paredes through waivers if they value Burns’ potential ability to hit left-handed pitching, but this seems like an unlikely move.
Regardless, this is yet another move to add major league quality depth, so it’s a nice pickup.
UPDATE:
The Blue Jays have confirmed the move.
.@BlueJays claim INF Jimmy Paredes off waivers from the Orioles. pic.twitter.com/XT34eVSoym
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 16, 2016
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