Blue Jays sign Blanco

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed C Henry Blanco to a non-guaranteed US $750,000 Major League contract for the 2013 season.

BLANCO, 41, played in 21 games for Arizona last season posting a .188 average with one home run and seven RBI, having his season end in early August with a ligament tear in his left thumb. The Caracas, Venezuela native has appeared in 921 games over 15 seasons posting a .227 average with 69 home runs and 284 RBI with the Dodgers, Rockies, Brewers, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Mets and Diamondbacks.

To make room on the 40-man roster LHP Tommy Hottovy has been designated for assignment.