TORONTO (AP) — The Blue Jays have recalled Kevin Pillar from Triple-A Buffalo and put him in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland.
Pillar is batting ninth and playing center field in place of Colby Rasmus, who left Monday’s game after six innings with a tight right hamstring.
Manager John Gibbons said Rasmus is expected to miss at least two games, but should avoid a trip to the disabled list.
Shortstop Jose Reyes returned to the Blue Jays’ lineup Tuesday after getting Monday off.
Gibbons moved designated hitter Adam Lind to fourth in the lineup and dropped Edwin Encarnacion to fifth against Indians right-hander Justin Masterson. Gibbons said he made the move to break up right-handed batters Jose Bautista and Encarnacion.
Infielder Jonathan Diaz was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Pillar, who was batting .305 with one homer and 19 RBIs in 34 games at Buffalo.
Pillar played in 36 games for the Blue Jays in 2013, batting .206 with three homers and 13 RBIs.
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