Blue Jays claim Jimmy Paredes on waivers (with quote)

The Blue Jays have claimed infielder/outfielder Jimmy Paredes on waivers from the Orioles, according to multiple sources.

The Orioles placed Paredes on waivers Friday before his injury rehabilitation assignment expired yesterday afternoon. They were hoping to outright him to Triple-A Norfolk, though it would have required his approval.

Paredes batted .279/.312/.425 in 122 games with the Orioles over parts of two seasons after they purchased his contract from the Royals on July 24, 2014. He hit .275/.310/.416 in 104 games last season.

The Orioles got the most out of Paredes during the first half of last season, when he batted .299/.332/.475 with 12 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 39 RBIs in 68 games. He slipped to .216/.252/.265 with no home runs in the second half.

Paredes was 9-for-27 with a home run in eight games with Norfolk during his rehab assignment. The Tides played Buffalo, the Blue Jays' top affiliate, over the weekend.

He obviously made an impression on their scout.

The Orioles didn't have room for Paredes on their 25-man roster and he's out of options.

Paredes began the season on the disabled list after spraining his left wrist while diving for a fly ball in right field during a March 3 exhibition game against the Rays in Port Charlotte.

Update: I should add that Paredes is a career .340/.367/.574 hitter with three home runs in 17 games versus the Jays and .320/.346/.600 with two home runs in eight games at Rogers Centre.

Update II: Here's an emailed quote from executive vice president Dan Duquette: "The O's tried but we just didn't find a fit for Jimmy Paredes on this year's team when it was time for him to be reinstated. Jimmy worked hard with us and we appreciate his contributions over the past two seasons."