Blue Jays demote Norris to Triple-A; promote Albers
The Toronto Blue Jays added a fifth Canadian to their active roster prior to Friday's contest against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field while also demoting one of their most promising youngsters back to Triple-A.
Andrew Albers, who signed a minor league deal with Toronto this winter, will join the Blue Jays after opening the season with Triple-A Buffalo. The 29-year-old will provide another left-handed option in the bullpen for manager John Gibbons, who has received more innings from his relievers this season than all but four American League clubs.
In order to clear a spot for Albers on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays transferred Maicer Izturis to the 60-day disabled list. The club also optioned left-hander Daniel Norris back to Triple-A to create a spot for Albers on the 25-man roster, less than 24 hours after the young hurler stumbled through another short start.
Norris opened the season in the rotation, but struggled with his command for much of April. The 22-year-old crafted a 3.86 ERA across his first five starts, though he issued 12 walks in just 23 1/3 innings and required 78 pitches to make it through three scoreless frames in Thursday's 5-1 victory over the Indians.
Challenge accepted.
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) May 1, 2015
According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, right-hander Marco Estrada will assume Norris' spot in the rotation for the time being.
Albers, meanwhile, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2013, but crafted a 3.09 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP over his first four starts with Buffalo this season, notching 12 strikeouts while allowing two home runs over 23 1/3 innings.
Albers, a native of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, will join fellow Canadians Russell Martin, Dalton Pompey, Michael Saunders and Jeff Francis on the 25-man roster.