Blue Jays send slumping Goins to Triple-A

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays will have a new starting second baseman after it was announced on Monday night that Ryan Goins was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Goins began the year in a platoon at second base, but took over the everyday duties when fellow infielder Maicer Izturis suffered a season-ending knee injury. The hope was that Goins would settle into his role, and while he played exceptional defense up the middle, his bat remained a liability.

The 26-year-old Goins had just nine hits in 60 at-bats (.150) with one RBI and a .203 on-base percentage. He struggled to make hard contact and at times appeared lost at the plate while striking out 13 times. Goins will now head back to Triple-A Buffalo and attempt to get his offensive woes turned around for a potential callup later in the season.

A corresponding roster move won't be made official until Tuesday afternoon, but it's believed that veteran infielder Chris Getz will receive a promotion. The news was first reported by Sportsnet and is the logical decision for Toronto to make after the 30-year-old hit .309 with a .382 on-base percentage in 18 games for Buffalo.

Getz has spent parts of six seasons in the Major Leagues and owns a career average of .251 with a .310 on-base percentage. He would be making his return in Kansas City, which is the same city he played in from 2010-13. Utilityman Jonathan Diaz also could receive some playing time at second base in addition to backing up several positions around the infield and outfield.