Sergio Santos to DL; Francisco Cordero Named Blue Jays Closer

The Toronto Blue Jays placed closer Sergio Santos on their 15-day disabled list Saturday with right shoulder inflammation.  Toronto is calling the move precautionary and the team hopes Santos will be able to return within a couple of weeks.  The Blue Jays have recalled right-hander Evan Crawford to replace Santos on their roster and said Francisco Cordero will slide into their closer role.

Santos said that he first experienced discomfort during his Friday appearance against the Kansas City Royals.  Though he was able to finish the game and collect the save, Santos woke up Saturday morning with a sore throwing shoulder.

After speaking with the Blue Jays training staff it was decided that the right-hander be shutdown.  Toronto is hoping to catch the injury early so that it does not linger for the season.

Santos was acquired from the Chicago White Sox this offseason and was named the Blue Jays closer entering the 2012 campaign.  The 28-year-old saved 30 games for the White Sox last season while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.55 and 1.105 with 13.1 SO/9 and 4.1 BB/9.  Before his injury Santos was off to a rocky start with the Blue Jays, allowing five earned runs over his first five innings of work with four walks and four strikeouts.

Francisco Cordero is no stranger to the role of closer, as the 14-year veteran has compiled 328 career saves.  Evan Crawford, who made his major league debut with the Blue Jays earlier this season, has a career ERA and WHIP of 3.37 and 1.410 with 7.9 SO/9 and 4.1 BB/9 over his five seasons in the minors.

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