http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-to-activate-navarro-from-disabled-list/
WASHINGTON – The Toronto Blue Jays will activate catcher Dioner Navarro for the second game of their split doubleheader with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.
The catcher has been out since April 22 with a strained hamstring and his activation, combined with Jose Bautista’s return to right field, will give manager John Gibbons a lot more flexibility with his roster.
“That will clean up a lot,” he said before the opener. “Really, it would kind of go back to the way we started the season. I definitely think that will make us better.”
Navarro is expected to take Josh Thole’s spot on the roster, and he will also see action at DH and as a pinch-hitter for the Blue Jays. Gibbons may also ease the load on starting catcher Russell Martin.
“We’ll stay away from day games after night games for Russ because it’s starting to get to that point of the season when you start wearing down a little bit,” said Gibbons. “At the beginning of the season it’s a little bit different. That will keep (Martin) a little stronger, too.
“Navarro is big part of our team. He’ll do some DHing too because we want to get his bat in there, pretty good hitter.”
Gibbons said it’s “very possible” the 26th player the Blue Jays add for the double-header nightcap will be a pitcher. Scott Copeland, optioned to triple-A Buffalo on May 28, is eligible even though he hasn’t been down for 10 days under the rules for the extra man.