Blue Jays outright Tolleson to Triple-A

TORONTO -- Blue Jays infielder Steve Tolleson cleared waivers on Thursday afternoon and was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo.

Tolleson was designated for assignment on Wednesday after completing a rehab assignment with the Bisons. He spent some time on the big league club earlier this year, but the return of second baseman Devon Travis and the presence of backup infielder Ryan Goins meant there was no longer a spot on the team for Tolleson.

The 31-year-old Tolleson is a career .245 hitter with a .299 on-base percentage and 27 extra-base hits in 182 games. He'll likely join Munenori Kawasaki as the primary depth options if anyone on the Major League roster is forced to miss time because of injury.

Other Blue Jays news from Thursday afternoon:

• The Pan-Am Games that are taking place in Toronto from July 10-26 aren't going to make things easy on the Blue Jays. With the city hosting such a big international event (opening and closing ceremonies are at Rogers Centre), Toronto will play 16 of its next 19 games on the road. It could make things difficult on a team that has performed much better at home this year.

"That's normally the case, teams play better at home," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "But this is a big stretch for us because even after the All-Star break we come back for three and then head out to California. This month will probably tell the tale a little bit, I would think."

• Justin Smoak wasn't in the starting lineup on Thursday despite hitting a pair of home runs in Wednesday's 11-2 victory over Boston. Toronto went with its traditional lineup against left-hander Wade Miley, but Gibbons made a point of mentioning that Smoak won't be forgotten despite starting just once since June 22.

"That has been one of our biggest strengths, is our lineup against lefties," Gibbons said. "But you'll see him, righty tomorrow, good chance you'll see him."