ARLINGTON, Texas – The Toronto Blue Jays’ decision to designate Steve Tolleson for assignment on July 1 is being considered by the players union, and the agent for the infielder adds that his client is hoping to play before the minor-league season ends.
Bret Hendricks of Hendricks Sports Management said in an interview Thursday that no formal grievance has yet been filed, and also made clear that Tolleson continues to work toward a return to the field.
He was responding to a comment made Wednesday by Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, who told reporters, "Steve Tolleson just decided he didn’t want to play anymore," as part of a larger answer about how the injury to Devon Travis led to the acquisition of Cliff Pennington.
Anthopoulos declined to comment further on the matter Thursday.
"Obviously I thought it was an unfortunate comment to make," said Hendricks. "If the question is did Steve Tolleson decide not to play, then absolutely not. He’s working to get back on the field as fast as he possibly can. He’s put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
"It’s been a long road to this point, he’s hoping to get on the field before the end of the season if his body co-operates."
The Blue Jays designated Tolleson for assignment July 1, the day after his rehabilitation assignment from a groin injury expired, with the intention of outrighting him to triple-A Buffalo. The previous night he went 1-for-3 against Gwinnett, the second straight night he appeared in a rehab game.
At issue is whether he was ready to return from his groin injury at the time he was designated. If still injured, then that isn’t allowed under rules of the collective bargaining agreement while a player is on the big-league disabled list, which Tolleson was.
The Blue Jays placed him on the temporarily inactive list July 7, which allows teams to not pay players, but his salary was reinstated shortly after when he reported a hamstring injury, as well.
The matter "is currently subject to a collective bargaining process that allows the union to discuss this with the commissioner’s office," said Hendricks. "The union has investigated the situation regarding his designation."
Tolleson batted .268/.333/.439 in 19 games with the Blue Jays this season.
