In order to make room for the returning José Reyes, the Toronto Blue Jays have optioned Munenori Kawasaki back to their Triple-A team the Buffalo Bisons.

Kawasaki provided a lot of energy for the Blue Jays at shortstop while Reyes was on the disabled list recovering from an ankle injury.  Blue Jays’ fans will likely have to wait until the September 1st when the rosters expand to 40 men before we see Kawasaki in Toronto again.  However, let’s see what he did in his 60 games for the Blue Jays:

• He hit a walk off double May 26th against the Baltimore Orioles to win a game for the Blue Jays.
• He had 151 at bats in 60 games, hitting .225
• He had a slugging percentage of .325, an on-base percentage of .337.
• He was 7 for 8 in stolen bases.
• He hit his first major league homerun on June 21st in Toronto against the Orioles to tie the game at 6-6.
• He had 34 hits, including 4 doubles and 4 triples to go along with the homerun.
• Kawasaki also batted in 17 runs.
• He struck out 23 times, but also walked 24 times.

While fans will miss Kawasaki’s energy, Reyes was brought in to be the shortstop for the team, and has a good track record playing the majors, including winning the National League batting title in 2011.  However, Kawasaki, the Blue Jays, and the fans should be happy of Kawasaki’s success in Toronto, as well as the energy he brought to the team.  I see chances for him in the future.

And I can’t wait until he is back with the team come September.