Blue Jays claim righty Abreu off waivers

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays claimed right-hander Juan Abreu off waivers from the Astros on Friday and assigned him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

To clear roster space for Abreu, the Blue Jays designated right-hander Scott Richmond for assignment. A Vancouver native, Richmond allowed two runs in three innings for Toronto this season. He went 8-11 with a 5.52 ERA in 27 appearances (24 starts) for the Blue Jays in 2009, when he saw his most Major League action.

Abreu pitched in seven contests for Houston last season, yielding two runs in 6 2/3 innings, while tallying 12 strikeouts. He has spent this season pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he has compiled a 2-3 record and a 7.09 ERA in 38 appearances, while striking out 54 batters in 45 2/3 innings.