Tuiasosopo has chance to make Major League roster

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Friday afternoon that infielder/outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo will receive an opportunity to make the 25-man roster.

Tuiasosopo was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks on Thursday, while left-hander Luis Perez was released in order to make room on the 40-man roster. The 27-year-old Tuiasosopo spent last season with the Tigers, and he recently became available because he's out of Minor League options on his contract.

"Played well for Tigers last year and we had good reports on him," Anthopoulos said. "He gives us a right-handed bat that has positional versatility. Obviously there isn't a lot of time left, but he'll come in and compete for a spot."

The Blue Jays have yet to decide whether they are going to start the year with seven or eight relievers. Their final decision on the pitching staff ultimately will dictate whether there are three or four spots up for grabs on the bench.

Utility man Maicer Izturis has one of those spots, and another will go to a backup catcher, either Erik Kratz or Josh Thole. That leaves Tuiasosopo competing for the fourth outfielder spot with Moises Sierra. Four men on the bench would mean the club could carry both players.

Tuiasosopo has the ability to play left field and the corner infield positions. In parts of four big league seasons with the Mariners and Tigers, Tuiasosopo is a career .207 hitter with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 152 games.