The Toronto Blue Jays said Tuesday they have optioned Munenori Kawasaki to the Triple-A Buffalo.
The move is to make room for starting shortstop Jose Reyes, who will be welcomed back by the team on Wednesday afternoon. Reyes has been out of action since he severely sprained his left ankle in a game against Kansas City in April.
"I'm just so grateful that I was allowed to play for such a great team and a great set of fans for two months," said the 32-year-old Kawasaki, whose fun-loving and goofy personality has made him a popular member of the roster.
"I have also realized that I am lacking in terms of ability. I will practice and do my best to improve as a player."
In a business where demoted players are simply gone without fanfare, manager John Gibbons called a postgame meeting to announce the roster move, something pitcher Mark Buehrle said he'd never seen before.
Kawasaki joined the Blue Jays on a minor-league deal in mid-March and was called up to the majors on April 13 to take the place of Reyes.