The Blue Jays have claimed Joe Inglett off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. Inglett has batted 1 time for the Blue Jays so far and he has a hit. He will likely back up for the Blue Jays at shortstop, second base and third base. Inglett played in 64 games for the Indians as a rookie last season and he hit .284 with 26 runs scored, 2 homers and 21 RBIs.

The Blue Jays have decided to shut down outfielder Vernon Wells and starting pitcher Shaun Marcum for the last week of the season. Wells appeared to be playing injured the whole season as he had an off year with the bat in his hands. He played in 149 games this season and he was 143 for 584 (.245 avg, .706 OPS) with 85 runs scored, 16 homers and 80 RBIs. Wells had surgery to remove a cyst from his left shoulder and he also had a torn left labrum in his left shoulder repaired. Shaun Marcum had season ending surgery on his right knee. Marcum started the season in the bullpen but the Blue Jays put him in the starting rotation after they suffered a series of injuries and he was up to it as he pitched well. He will likely head into Spring Training next season with a rotation spot locked up. He pitched in 38 games (25 starts) this year and he was 12-6 with 1 save, a 4.13 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. In 159 innings, Marcum allowed 149 hits, 27 homers, walked 49 batters and whiffed 122.

Sometimes it takes lefty pitchers a little while to figure things out in the major leagues. Scott Downs came into this season with a 17-15 record with a 4.80 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in 117 games in his major league career. He has been outstanding this season for the Blue Jays as Downs has indeed figured out how to dominate at the major league level. Downs has pitched in 75 games this season for the Blue Jays and he is 3-2 with 1 save, a 2.29 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Look for Downs to be a big part of the Blue Jays bright future in the bullpen. The Blue Jays are trying hard to finish over .500 despite all of the injuries they have suffered. They are currently 76-75 which has them in 3rd place in the American League East, 13.5 games behind the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays have decided to shut down starting third baseman Troy Glaus for the season with a heel injury. Glaus played in 115 games this season and he was 101 of 385 (.262 avg, .839 OPS) with 60 runs scored, 20 homers and 62 RBIs. The Blue Jays will probably let Russ Adams play a lot at third base the last couple of weeks to see if he has improved from last season. He has played in 13 games this season for the Blue Jays and he is 5 of 17 (.294 avg) with 5 runs scored and 1 RBI. Hector Luna and Ray Olmedo also could get a couple starts at the hot corner before the season is over.

The Blue Jays are now 72-72 which has them in 3rd place in the American League East, 15 games behind the Red Sox. Still, this season gives the Blue Jays hope for the future because of the young pitchers who have stepped up while filling in for the many injuries the Blue Jays suffered this season. Next year will be the season the Blue Jays step up and challenge the Red Sox and Yankees…….as long as they can stay healthy.