After yet another injury-riddled game, the Blue Jays have made yet another roster move. Only this time, it wasn't the wounded that were sent off. This time, it was the ineffectual that that were banished.
As a result of another poor outing, the Jays have demoted left-handed pitcher Brett Cecil from the Major League club. As the counter move, the team has recalled shortstop prospect Adeiny Hechavarria from the Las Vegas 51's, the club's AAA affiliate.
Hechavarria is hitting .312 this season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, and has knocked 20 doubles, six triples and six home runs. He has also cashed in 63 RBI, scored 78 runs and stolen eight bases.
Hechavarria has shown an improved approach at the dish this season by posting a .363 OBP, up from .305 in 2011. The improvement could be partially explained by Hechavarria spending his whole season in the PCL, but it also reflects his developing ability to lay off suspect pitches from Major League veterans.
Though the 23-year-old's numbers look solid across the board, he is not expected to bring an impact bat with him when he joins the Blue Jays' big league squad. What Hechavarria is expected to bring with him to the bigs is a Major League-ready glove—something that has made him one of the most highly regarded defensive infielders in Minor League Baseball.
With Yunel Escobar at short, expect Hechavarria to make some starts at third while Lawrie heals up. He will also likely spell Escobar when needed. Otherwise, he will provide bench depth for the team.
As of now, the Cuban-born Hechavarria's role seems quite malleable, but the way the Jays players are dropping like flies in 2012, it would not be surprising to see him called upon more often than manager John Farrell would like.
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