TORONTO (AP)-The Toronto Blue Jays activated outfielder Reed Johnson from the 60-day disabled list before Friday’s game against Cleveland and optioned outfielder Adam Lind to Triple-A Syracuse.
Johnson has been sidelined since April 12 after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back.
The 30-year-od Johnson set career highs in seven offensive categories last season, including average (.319) and home runs (12).
“He’s going to give us a boost,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. “He always has.”
Toronto’s projected leadoff hitter at the start of the season, Johnson batted in the two hole Friday, behind center fielder Vernon Wells. Wells is batting .341 with six homers in 10 games batting leadoff.
The 23-year-old Lind batted .230 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs in 73 games while Johnson was injured.
“He did a nice job for us,” Gibbons said. “Right now he needs to go down and play some more.”
Third baseman Troy Glaus, who left Wednesday’s game after fouling a ball off his left foot, will not play this weekend, the Blue Jays said. Glaus, who has missed time this season with heel and hamstring soreness, will get seven consecutive days off if he rests through the all-star break.
“The doc said a week off should do him wonders,” Gibbons said.
John McDonald and Howie Clark will split time at third base in Glaus’ absence.
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