Rogers DFA'd to make room for Hendriks

TORONTO -- As a result of his prolonged struggles in the Blue Jays' bullpen, hard-throwing righty Esmil Rogers was designated for assignment on Friday.

In a corresponding roster move, Toronto selected the contract of Liam Hendriks, who started against Oakland Friday night at Rogers Centre.

"He's been scuffling, we had to make a move," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "And we want to get a look at [Rob] Rasmussen and keep him up here and see what he can do."

Rogers' woes were well documented this season, but the club was reluctant to demote the right-hander, because he has no Minor League options remaining on his contract. That fact alone was enough to keep him on the 25-man roster, but it became increasingly difficult to justify his role. The 28-year-old posted a 6.97 ERA in 16 relief appearances this season.

Asked what the sources of Rogers' struggles were, Gibbons said: "I've got no idea. If we'd known that, we could've fixed it."

In his last outing, Rogers came in with a five-run lead against the Red Sox on Wednesday. He allowed three hits and three earned runs, lasting one-third of an inning before being replaced.

Gibbons said he couldn't pinpoint the breaking point that led to Rogers' demotion, but the recent changes to the makeup of the bullpen -- which includes the addition of Rasmussen and Dustin McGowan, who began the season as a starter -- made it necessary.

In Hendriks, the Blue Jays have at least temporarily filled the fifth spot in the starting rotation, which was left vacant when McGowan's role changed.

"[Hendriks is] a control guy," said Gibbons. "He'll throw everything at you. We liked him in Spring Training."

Hendriks was off to a solid start in Triple-A Buffalo, posting a 1.48 ERA in nine games (seven starts) with the Bisons. The 25-year-old native of Australia has appeared in 30 career Major League games in parts of three seasons. The Blue Jays claimed him off waivers from the Twins during Spring Training.