Jays lose Canzler on waivers to Indians

The Toronto Blue Jays were involved in a minor transaction on Wednesday, as utilityman Russ Canzler was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians.

Canzler returns to Cleveland after the Blue Jays claimed him off waivers from the Indians back on Dec. 21. The Indians had designated Canzler for assignment three days earlier in order to make room on their 40-man roster for free agent signing Mark Reynolds.

The 26-year-old Canzler appeared in 26 games with Cleveland in 2012 batting .269/.299/.398/.697 in 93 at-bats with three home runs while splitting time between the outfield, first base and DH. In 28 at-bats against left-handers in 2012, Canzler batted .393/.414/.679/1.092.

By reclaiming Russ Canzler on waivers from Toronto , he could become leading candidate to DH for #Indians.

— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) January 2, 2013

The Berwick, PA native didn't reach triple-A until the age of 25, but proceeded to put up a .289/.365/.508/.873 slash line at that level between 2010-'11 while playing in the International League.

With the roster move, the Blue Jays now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

And as for Cleveland...

Per @mlbastian, #Indians will need to open 2 spots on 40-man for Myers, Swisher. Maybe the Russ Canzler roller coaster continues. #Bluejays

— Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness590) January 2, 2013