ST PETERSBURG -- The Blue Jays held onto some of their Minor League depth on Saturday afternoon as outfielder Junior Lake and first baseman Jesus Montero cleared waivers.
Lake and Montero were out of options on their contracts, but have now been reassigned to Triple-A Buffalo. Lake was claimed off waivers by Toronto in December and Montero was picked up earlier this week.
The 26-year-old Lake was competing for the fourth outfielder's job this spring, but that role went to Ezequiel Carrera. Lake will be part of an outfield mix with the Bisons that includes Darrell Ceciliani, Dalton Pompey and Domonic Brown.
Montero was developed as a catcher, but he hasn't played the position since 2013. He spent each of the past two years at designated hitter and first base, appearing in just 44 big league games over that span.
The 26-year-old was once one of the top prospects in the game, but has yet to live up to expectations. Despite his continued struggles, Montero hit .355 with 18 homers and 85 RBIs in 98 games at Triple-A Tacoma last season in the Mariners' organization.