Ok, so there’s my click-bait title for the day. Yes, the Blue Jays designated Todd Redmond for assignment and, surprise, surprise, they recalled Ryan Goins. It looks like Redmond lost out in the Redmond/Hendriks battle of the out-of-options relievers.
The Blue Jays decided to end the eight-man bullpen and Redmond was the casualty after allowing four runs in each of his two 2015 appearances. The Blue Jays have recalled Ryan Goins who has been on fire in Buffalo. He’s hit .350/.333/.400 in his first 21 plate appearances in Buffalo and while he hasn’t shown any more patience at the plate, he’s been hitting very well. This start in Buffalo follows a spring in which Goins hit .315/.383/.556 over 28 games, with five doubles, a triple and two home runs.
Is this the renaissance of Ryan Goins? Is he finally figuring out how to be a productive hitter at the major league level? He’ll probably be given a fair chance to find out, at least in a bench role or spelling Jose Reyes at shortstop.
In related news, Andy Burns is finally getting his shot at Triple-A after a very solid 2014 season in which he recovered to lead the team in most offensive categories after a poor start. Burns hit .255/.315/.430 in Double-A New Hampshire last year and was off to a .238/.333/.381 start this season. He’ll be making his Triple-A debut, although I’m not entirely sure at which position he’ll play. Burns has been a shortstop in his career but he’s certainly not as good defensively as Jonathan Diaz. He’s played third base over the past two seasons in Dunedin and New Hampshire but Matt Hague is getting most of the reps so far in Buffalo. Does Burns usurp some of those at bats? He’s played a bit of second base and could play there as well.
Additionally, the Buffalo Bisons activated catcher A.J. Jimenez off the DL and sent him to Double-A New Hampshire. To be honest, I’m not sure what the rationale for that move is. Do the Blue Jays want to keep Josh Thole playing every day in Buffalo with Sean Ochinko as his backup? Is that to keep Thole sharp in case Navarro is traded? Is it to showcase him for a trade? This move means that Jack Murphy is going to lose out on playing time in New Hampshire. Pierce Rankin, the other catcher on the roster in New Hampshire can play first and third base if necessary, as can Murphy. If Murphy keeps hitting home runs, he’ll find some playing time somewhere.
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