Blue Jays activate Paredes, promote Venditte

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays activated the versatile Jimmy Paredes and recalled switch-pitcher Pat Venditte from Triple-A Buffalo prior to Tuesday night's game against the Rays.
Utility man Andy Burns and right-hander Dustin Antolin were optioned to Buffalo to make room on the 25-man active roster. The move for Paredes had been expected after he was claimed on waivers Monday, while Venditte provides a fresh arm for a recently overworked bullpen.
Paredes has spent most of his career in the infield, but he also has the ability to play the corner outfield spots. He is set to fill the same utilty role that Burns recently had, and he could see some time at a variety of positions.
The 27-year-old is a career .257 hitter with 15 home runs and 81 RBIs in 249 career games. Paredes spent most of last year as Baltimore's designated hitter, but he also started games at second base, third base, right field and left field. He was put on waivers after recently completing a rehab assignment for the Orioles.
Venditte made five appearances for the Blue Jays earlier this season. He allowed three runs in 3 2/3 innings, while in eight appearances for Buffalo, he had a 3.86 ERA over 9 1/3 innings. Antolin made just one appearance for Toronto, and it came when he allowed three runs in two innings of Monday's lopsided 13-2 loss.