TORONTO -- The Blue Jays recalled infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from Triple-A Buffalo prior to Monday's series finale against the Tigers at Rogers Centre.
Gurriel takes the place of utility man Darnell Sweeney, who was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after Sund ay's loss. He jumped right into the lineup on Monday, batting ninth and playing second and short. Gurriel went 1-for-4 with a pair of nice defensive plays in Toronto's 3-2 extra-inning loss on Monday.
Manager John Gibbons has used Gurriel in the middle infield so far this season, but still thinks that the young Cuban has the potential to be a versatile part of the team going forward by moving around the diamond even more.
"There's been talk of that," Gibbons said on Monday. "Since he's here, he's going to play. Second and shortstop."
For now, Gibbons plans on getting Gurriel some regular reps to keep him consistent and see what they have.
"Not necessarily every day, but he's not going to be here sitting," Gibbons said. "We'll bounce him back and forth. I think it's important."
The 24-year-old spent three weeks with the Blue Jays earlier this season after his Major League Baseball debut on April 20. He was again promoted for one appearance on June 21, but he has an opportunity to play himself into an extended look the third time around.
Over 21 games in the Major Leagues, Gurriel is hitting .222 with a .604 OPS. Between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo, he's put up a .299 average with a .796 OPS and six home runs in 46 games.