The Toronto Blue Jays said Saturday they have called up minor league infielder Munenori Kawasaki to the majors in a short-term move to take the place of injured shortstop Jose Reyes.
Kawasaki was promoted from Triple-A Buffalo the same day and started at shortstop in a 3-2 win against the Kansas City Royals. He was 0-for-1 with a run scored and one RBI. Regular shortstop Reyes has been placed on the 15-day disabled list after severely spraining his left ankle in an awkward slide at second.
The 31-year-old Kawasaki was also promoted to the majors last season after signing a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners but batted just .192 with seven RBIs. His contract was terminated at the end of the season, and he signed another minor league deal with the Blue Jays in mid-March.