Blue Jays Designate Juan Rivera; Recall Travis Snider
By Editorial Staff
The Blue Jays designated outfielder Juan Rivera for assignment Sunday and recalled Travis Snider.
Rivera was acquired by Toronto this offseason from the LA Angels along with Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells and cash. The 33 year old began the season as the Jays designated hitter, but has also manned first as well as the outfield corners for the club.
Rivera’s had a down year for the Jays. He’d struggled pretty regularly this season, but was actually coming off of his best month statistically in June. Still, Rivera was only able to put up a line of .243/.305/.360 in 2011.
Rivera was making $5.25 this season, his 11th in the majors. Over his career, he’s managed an OPS of .779. His best years came as a member of the Angels. Rivera has hit 15 or more home runs 4 time over his career, reaching the 20 dinger plateau twice.
With the trade season heating up, Toronto’s GM Alex Anthopoulos hopes to find a taker for Rivera.
"“I think I might, I’m not certain,” Anthopoulos said. “This is really the time of year you start to talk to a lot of teams and GMs. I’ve had a few teams ask about him, in the sense of having a guy that can hit left-handers. He has done that very well this season.”"
Toronto considered Rivera expendable because of Snider. The former top prospect started the year with the Jays, but was sent down to Triple-A after batting .184 in 25 games with the club.
Snider has since rediscovered himself at the plate with the Jays’ minor league affiliate, putting up an .890 OPS in 49 games.
"“Travis, and what he has done in Las Vegas, has precipitated this move,” Blue Jays manager John Farrell said. “He demonstrated the adjustments we felt were necessary. We have every confidence that he will continue those here, and if that is the case, which we believe it will, he has a chance to be a well-above-average Major Leaguer.”"
In recalling Snider, the Blue Jays made it clear that the 23 year old will not be a bench player or backup, but will be regularly used to potentially fill all three outfield positions.
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