Blue Jays roster moves

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have recalled C JOSH THOLE and selected the contract of IF ANDY LaROCHE from the Buffalo Bisons of the International League (AAA). C HENRY BLANCO has been designated for assignment.

THOLE, 26, has appeared in 41 games with Buffalo this season posting a .322 average with five doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBI. Thole last appeared in the majors with the New York Mets in 2012 having spent all four years of his career with New York prior to being dealt to the Blue Jays on December 17 as part of the R.A. Dickey deal.  The 6’1, 205 pound catcher is a career .261 hitter with seven home runs and 87 RBI in 308 games.

LaROCHE, 29, hit .282 with seven home runs and 32 RBI in 49 games with the Bisons this season. The infielder was signed to a minor league contract on January 30, 2013 after splitting the 2012 season between Columbus and Pawtucket of the International League (AAA). Prior to the 2012 season, the Fort Scott, Kansas native played for Los Angeles (Dodgers), Pittsburgh and Oakland collecting 22 home runs and 113 RBI in 403 career games.

BLANCO, 41, appeared in 15 games, starting as catcher in 13 of those contests. The veteran catcher posted a .184 average with three doubles this season. Over his 16 year career, Blanco has a .226 average with 69 home runs and 284 RBI in 936 games for Los Angeles (Dodgers), Colorado, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Minnesota, Chicago Cubs, San Diego, New York Mets, Arizona and Toronto.