When the Blue Jays signed Francisco Cordero to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, it was as much of an insurance policy for new closer Sergio Santos as anything, and consider that insurance policy cashed in -- at least partially.
Toronto placed the 28-year-old Santos on the disabled list after Saturday's game with right shoulder inflammation. Santos, acquired in a trade with the White Sox in December, has struggled thus far in his Blue Jay career, blowing half of his four save opportunities this season, going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and two saves. He picked up his second save Friday night against the Royals, despite allowing a hit and a run. He had two scoreless appearances before that, including his first save on April 11 against the Red Sox.
Cordero, 36, hasn't exactly dominated this season, allowing seven hits and walking two in six single-inning performances. He has worked scoreless innings in four of his appearances. He pitched a scoreless eighth in Friday's win over the Royals to earn his third hold of the year. The right-hander has more career saves (327) than any other active player not named Mariano Rivera. Last season for the Reds, Cordero went 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 37 saves.
The Blue Jays called up lefty Evan Crawford from Triple-A to take Santos' place on the roster. Crawford made two scoreless appearances for the team earlier this season.
