Infielder Munenori Kawasaki has been called up from Triple-A Buffalo to rejoin the Blue Jays' major league squad, the team said Wednesday.

Kawasaki, who came to Toronto on a minor-league deal in March, was called up for the third time this year after the Blue Jays traded Emilio Bonifacio to the Kansas City Royals and placed outfielder Colby Rasmus on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. Triple-A outfielder Kevin Pillar was also promoted to the majors.

The 32-year-old Kawasaki, popular among fans and teammates for his fun-loving personality, has played in 70 major league games this season, batting .213 with one home run, 20 RBIs and seven stolen bases.