BALTIMORE -- It didn’t take long for Derek Fisher to see the positive signs after he was dealt to the Blue Jays on Wednesday at the Trade Deadline. Just a day later, the outfielder's contract was selected by the big league club ahead of Thursday's opener of a four-game series against the Orioles.

“It was bittersweet. I’m leaving an organization that took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity to live a childhood dream,” said Fisher, who was acquired from the Astros in exchange for Aaron Sanchez, Joe Biagini and Minor Leaguer Cal Stevenson. “[But now] to have an opportunity here with this team and the guys and how much fun they have in here, and how closely knit this group is, you can tell.”

Fisher was not in the Blue Jays’ starting lineup on Thursday since he’s still getting adjusted to the new organization, manager Charlie Montoyo said. But the skipper envisions the versatile outfielder getting to try his hand in mainly center and right, as well as left -- when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. either serves as designated hitter or sits.

“We’re going to play him, give him a chance to see what he can do, for sure,” Montoyo said. “Just almost like I’m doing the infield. Finding a way every day to put him in matchups in there. He’ll get to play them all and then we’ll see what the best spot is.”

Once a 37th overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft and highly-touted prospect who inhabited MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 rankings, Fisher’s strengths are in his speed and power, stealing 111 bases across 505 Minor League games.

“Speed never really slumps,” he said.

Fisher has played in 112 games at the big leagues already, including taking part in the Astros’ 2017 World Series title run. Most famously, he was the pinch-runner who crossed the plate as the walk-off run in Game 5. But overall production at the Majors has not come as easily. Fisher is batting just .201/.282/.367 over parts of three Major League seasons.

Now, however, he joins a young Blue Jays core flush with opportunities to earn consistent starting nods.

“With where this team is going and the talent that we have here, and the young faces that we have, and everybody is so eager to get here and work and have fun,” Fisher said. “I can’t ask for anything more.”

Fisher joins Trent Thornton and Teoscar Hernandez as former Astros prospects at Toronto’s big league level. Fisher is excited to be back with two guys he became friendly with over the years, but he’s even more excited to do his part in returning the Blue Jays back to competitiveness alongside some of the game’s top young talent.

“With the athleticism we have here being to create opportunities and to create mistakes and, in the end, to create runs and, in the end, hopefully be able to win ballgames,” Fisher said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch them, it’s going to be a lot of fun to learn, it’s going to be a lot of fun to win games with these guys.”

Gurriel (knee) rests
Gurriel was also not in Thursday’s starting lineup in order to rest a right knee issue that arose in Wednesday’s win over the Royals. Montoyo was not concerned with the ailment and he said the outfielder was available to come off the bench on Thursday.

Giles nearing return
After he was ultimately not dealt at the Deadline, closer Ken Giles’ return from right elbow inflammation could come as soon as Sunday or Monday, Montoyo said. Giles played catch pregame on Thursday and he felt great, per Montoyo. If Giles clears the next steps with ease, the reliever should avoid a stint on the injured list.

Worth noting
• Right-handed reliever Jason Adam, who was acquired from the Royals in March, had his contract selected on Thursday and is with the Blue Jays in Baltimore. He has a 5.40 ERA in 10 games with Triple-A Buffalo this season.

• Southpaw Ryan Borucki (left elbow inflammation) landed on the IL on Wednesday, retroactive to July 28, and lefty Buddy Boshers was called up in his place.

• Righty Brock Stewart, who the Blue Jays claimed off waivers from the Dodgers on Wednesday, was optioned to Buffalo.