The Blue Jays added outfielder Brett Bateman to their active roster Friday, just five days after acquiring him from the Cubs as part of Monday’s Kevin Gasuman trade.
Bateman, the Blue Jays’ No. 20 prospect, played just two games in Toronto’s organization before getting his first callup to the big leagues. He went 2-for-8 with two singles and two walks for Triple-A Buffalo. On the year, the left-handed hitter is batting .311 with a .429 on-base percentage.
Bateman hasn't shown much power (six home runs in 317 pro games), but he has fantastic speed and contact ability; he has stolen 20 bases this year while recording nearly as many walks (62) as strikeouts (67). The 24-year-old also provides plus defense in the outfield. He has primarily played center field, but he has experience at all three spots.
In other roster moves, the Blue Jays placed infielder Luis Urías on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain. They also designated outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. for assignment.