The injury bug has not made things easy for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, as three significant roster moves were made ahead of their series against the Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays recalled utility infielder Michael Stefanic while placing second baseman Andrés Giménez on the 10-day injury list with a right quad strain (retroactive to May 8).
Lastly, they designated 31-year-old right-handed reliever Dillon Tate for assignment. This was an unpredictable move from the Blue Jays. At this point in this season, they are limited with who they can call up. They recently sent down rookie Will Wagner and Davis Schneider. Overall, Stefanic is a rare player in Triple-A Buffalo who is hitting well. In 31 games for the Bisons, he hit .319 with a .826 OPS and a 142 wRC+ before he was called up by the Blue Jays.
Tate struggled out of the pen for Toronto this year. Moving Stefanic to the 40-man roster allows the Blue Jays to DFA Tate who was sporting a 5.06 ERA across five innings pitched with six walks and three earned runs. That was enough to let the 31-year-old go.
ROSTER MOVES:
INF Michael Stefanic selected to the MLB roster and will be active for tonight’s game
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 9, 2025
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Blue Jays Place Giménez on 10-Day IL, Recall Infielder Stefanic
With Stefanic being recalled, the Blue Jays place the three-time Gold Glover Giménez on the 10-day IL. The veteran infielder left Wednesday’s game against the Angels trying to steal first on a bunt single and hurt his right quad. Giménez did not play in the series finale on Thursday.
Unfortunately, his high-caliber defense and speed haven’t been enough to make him a breakout player just yet. There’s no current timetable of return for Giménez. Ernie Clement is the top candidate to take over at second base. With Clement shifting to second, that means the Blue Jays could call up Orelvis Martinez or Wagner. The Blue Jays could also utilize Addison Barger at third. Martinez has struggled recently in Buffalo while Wagner demonstrated how he’s a solid defender at third early in the season. Martinez is hitting .191 with two home runs and five RBI. Wagner is hitting .186 with a stolen base, two RBI, and 11 hits.
Stefanic was initially signed by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 as a free agent and made his MLB debut in 2022. From 2022-2024, he was positioned at second and third base across 90 games. During that time, he recorded a 72 wRC+ across 264 plate appearances. Stefanic signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays in November of 2024. He is a versatile infielder who has experience not only playing second and third but also shortstop and even some first base. This will come in handy for the Blue Jays as they look to take the series against the Mariners.
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