Jays designate Reimold for assignment

The Blue Jays designated outfielder Nolan Reimold for assignment late last night, according to an industry source. The club hasn't announced the move. Is a reunion with the Orioles in the works? Stay tuned. Reimold batted .212/.283/.404 with four doubles, two homers and nine RBIs in 22 games. He had six walks and 22 strikeouts in 60 plate appearances. Reimold was in the midst of a 2-for-20 slump that included 11 strikeouts, and he misplayed a fly ball in right field Saturday which led to the winning run scoring in the Jays' 10-inning 2-1 loss to the Rays. However, he got off to a 6-for-17 start that included three doubles, two home runs and five RBIs. The Orioles designated Reimold for assignment after reinstating him from the 60-day disabled list, and the Jays claimed him off waivers July 6. Now the Jays can place him on waivers or attempt to work out a trade. Otherwise, he could be released. Reimold can refuse an outright assignment to the minors. The Orioles selected Reimold in the second round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of Bowling Green University. He had 10 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs and 45 RBIs in 87 games in 2011, but was limited to 56 games over the next two seasons due to hamstring and neck injuries. Reimold batted .313 with six doubles, five homers and 10 RBIs in 16 games in 2012 before suffering a herniated disk in his neck, an injury believed to be caused by his tumble into the seats at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. He played in 40 games last year before undergoing a corrective procedure to fuse the vertebrae. While on an injury rehab assignment this year, Reimold batted .315 with three doubles, two homers and nine RBIs in 17 games at Double-A Bowie. The Orioles wanted to keep him, but didn't have a spot on the 25-man roster and couldn't send him to the minors unless he cleared waivers. The Orioles are playing with a three-man bench after designating infielder Cord Phelps, but they still have Nelson Cruz, Steve Pearce and Delmon Young as right-handed corner outfielders. The roster crunch remains an issue until Sept. 1. Anyway, it's something to discuss. The Orioles wanted to hold onto Reimold and he's available, but it remains complicated. Also, the International League's All-Star team, announced today, doesn't include anyone from the Triple-A Norfolk roster. Syracuse outfielder Steven Souza Jr., currently on a major league rehab assignment after a promotion to the Nationals, was named Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year. Syracuse's Billy Gardner Jr. was named Manager of the Year. Norfolk's Ron Johnson deserved consideration after he kept the Tides in the playoff hunt until last night. You know what happened with that roster again this season. Here's the list: Catcher: Josh Phegley, Charlotte First baseman: Andy Wilkins, Charlotte Second baseman: Jose Pirela, Scranton/WB Shortstop: Emmanuel Burriss, Syracuse Third baseman: Brandon Laird, Syracuse Outfielders: Ezequiel Carrera, Toledo; Kevin Pillar: Buffalo; Steven Souza, Jr.: Syracuse Designated hitter: Mike Hessman, Toledo Utility player: Phil Gosselin, Gwinnett Starting pitcher: Anthony Ranaudo, Pawtucket Relief pitcher: Bobby Korecky, Buffalo