The Blue Jays added a potential bench piece Monday, claiming Jimmy Paredes off waivers from the Orioles.
Paredes, a five-year MLB veteran, has yet to appear in a big league game this year because of a sprained left wrist. He hit .309 with an .847 OPS on a 19-game rehab assignment but ended up on waivers instead of Baltimore’s roster.
While Paredes has MLB experience at second base, third base, left field and right field, he’s considered a below-average defensive player, and most of his experience comes as a DH. A switch-hitter, Paredes has a a lifetime .257/.293/.369 batting line after setting career highs with 10 home runs and 104 games played for the 2015 Orioles.
The Blue Jays’ bench currently consists of Josh Thole, Darwin Barney, Ezequiel Carrera and Andy Burns. While Paredes was unable to join the Blue Jays in time for Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager John Gibbons said he’s heard good things about the 27-year-old’s bat.