Thole back with Blue Jays to provide insurance
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The Blue Jays re-signed catcher Josh Thole to a Major League contract on Wednesday night, the team announced Thursday.
Thole had been designated for assignment by the Blue Jays and subsequently became a free agent, after Toronto reacquired catcher Dioner Navarro in a trade with the White Sox on Friday.
Because the Blue Jays signed Thole prior to Sept. 1, he will be eligible to play in the postseason if needed. Toronto entered play on Thursday with a two-game lead over Boston in the American League East.
To make room for Thole prior to Thursday morning's active roster expansion, the Blue Jays optioned second baseman Devon Travis to Rookie-level Bluefield. Travis will be eligible to return to Toronto on Friday, when Bluefield's season ends.
The 29-year-old Thole is hitting .158 with one home run and seven RBIs in 47 games this season.