Blue Jays designate Esmil Rogers, call up Liam Hendriks

Apr 13, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Esmil Rogers (32) throws the ball in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays won 11-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Esmil Rogers (32) throws the ball in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays won 11-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off of a dominating three-game series sweep against the Boston Red Sox which featured numerous long-balls at Fenway Park.

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Tonight they open up a 10-game home stand starting with the 2013 American League West division winning Oakland Athletics.

Earlier in the day, it was announced by Jeff Simmons on Twitter that the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Esmil Rogers for assignment.

This move will clear a spot on the 40-man roster which will be filled by Australian born right-hander Liam Hendriks. Toronto  made the move before today’s game against the Athletics which would be his Blue Jays debut according to MLB.com.

Veteran pitcher R.A. Dickey was scheduled to make the start tonight but was pushed back to Saturday.

Hendriks started eight games while appearing in 10 total with the Minnesota Twins last season -completing 47 1/3 innings where he gave up 67 hits, 39 runs (36 earned), 10 home runs and 14/34 BB/K’s. He had himself a rough 2013 campaign but Toronto took a chance and claimed him off waivers. There must be something that Minnesota was unable to see after his 1-3 season.

The young right-hander went 5-0 with a 1.48 ERA over 10 games through eight starts with Triple-A Buffalo before having his contract purchased.