Blue Jays Add Buddy Kennedy to Roster, Designate Ali Sanchez for Assignment
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Published: October 24, 2023 at 10:15 AM EST
Toronto, Ontario – in a roster shakeup ahead of Tuesday’s game against teh Colorado Rockies at Rogers Center, the Toronto Blue Jays announced the promotion of infielder buddy Kennedy and the designation of catcher Ali Sanchez for assignment.This move comes as the Blue Jays look to bolster their infield depth and manage their catching situation following recent player returns.
The Toronto Blue Jays have added a fresh face to their major league roster, selecting infielder Buddy kennedy for Tuesday’s matchup against the Rockies. Kennedy, 26, signed a minor-league contract wiht the Blue Jays in July after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies. he has spent the past several weeks with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he recorded a .207 batting average,.309 on-base percentage, and .259 slugging percentage across 16 games.
This roster move was necessitated by the return of catcher Alejandro Kirk from the injured list and the positive health update regarding Tyler Heineman, who avoided a concussion after being hit by a foul tip during Saturday’s game. With both Kirk and Heineman available, the Blue Jays persistent that Sanchez, their third-string catcher, was expendable.
Ali Sanchez, 28, appeared in eight games for the Blue Jays this season, posting a.238 batting average with limited power. The decision to designate him for assignment allows the team to create a roster spot for Kennedy and potentially explore other options at the catcher position.
Monday’s game saw the Blue Jays deliver an remarkable offensive performance, racking up 25 hits against the Rockies. The team will aim to continue this momentum in Tuesday night’s game, which is scheduled to begin at 8:40 p.m. ET / 5:40 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. The Rockies are currently 57-103 on the season, while the Blue Jays are 88-72, battling for a Wild Card spot in the American League.
Blue Jays Roster Moves: A Historical Context
The Toronto Blue jays have a long history of utilizing both veteran players and developing young talent through their minor league system. Roster moves like the addition of Buddy Kennedy and the designation of Ali Sanchez are commonplace throughout a Major League Baseball season, reflecting the constant evaluation and adjustment teams make to optimize their performance. The Blue Jays’ farm system, particularly the Buffalo Bisons, plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing players who can contribute at the major league level. Since their inaugural season in 1977, the Blue Jays have consistently sought to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term player development, a strategy that has yielded both playoff appearances and a World Series championship in 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue Jays Roster Changes
- Who is Buddy Kennedy and what position does he play? Buddy Kennedy is a 26-year-old infielder recently signed by the Toronto Blue Jays after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies. he is a versatile player capable of playing multiple infield positions.
- Why was Ali Sanchez designated for assignment by the Blue Jays? Ali Sanchez was designated for assignment due to the return of Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman to health, making him the team’s third-string catcher and creating a roster need for infield depth.
- What has Buddy Kennedy’s performance been like with the Buffalo Bisons? Buddy Kennedy has a .207 batting average, .309 on-base percentage, and .259 slugging percentage in 16 games with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons since joining the Blue Jays organization.
- When can fans watch the Blue Jays play the Rockies? Fans can watch the Blue Jays game against the Colorado Rockies live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 8:40 p.m. ET / 5:40 p.m. PT on Tuesday,October 24th.
- What is the significance of these roster moves for the Blue Jays’ playoff push? These roster moves aim to strengthen the Blue Jays’ roster as they compete for a Wild Card spot in the american League,