BALTIMORE – The Toronto Blue Jays brought up infielder Jonathan Diaz ahead of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles in anticipation of giving many of their regulars some rest before the regular season’s end.
Manager John Gibbons described Diaz as the "perfect guy for it," since "he’s been here last couple of years, been up and down, let him come and enjoy it, too."
The 30-year-old is known for his defence, or as Gibbons put it, "that’s not Johnny D, that’s Johnny Plus-D."
Diaz spent most of the season at triple-A Buffalo but appeared in four games with the Blue Jays earlier this season. He’d been working out with the club’s prospect at the fall instructional league in Dunedin, Fla., after struggling through some shoulder issues earlier this year.
"During the season I had some bursitis but it was just inflammation," said Diaz, who was greeted in the clubhouse by hugs from all his teammates. "That eased up with time and work on it. I got to get a lot of rest, so that was good."
Word of the call up left him "ecstatic man."
"I’ve been in this organization for nine out of 10 years and there’s a lot going on right now," he said. "It’s exciting, I’m just happy to be here, and I want to do whatever it takes to help these guys out, contribute and bring a World Series to Canada."
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NOT YET FOR TULO: All-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki reported for duty Wednesday feeling good after his batting practice session a day earlier, but there’s no date settled upon yet for his return.
"He won’t play today," said John Gibbons. "He’s feeling good. I expect him soon, not today."
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RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY: Expected inclement weather prompted the Orioles to reschedule their series finale against the Blue Jays to 12:05 p.m. ET Thursday instead from 7:05 p.m.
The decision was made in consultation with National Weather Service reports and the commissioner’s office.
