The Blue Jays released Scott Podsednik, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca (on Twitter). The transactions page for the Pacific Coast League confirms the move and Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com notes that Podsednik requested his release (Twitter link).
The Blue Jays signed Podsednik to a minor league deal in February and he would have earned $1MM for making the team. The 35-year-old posted a .297/.342/.382 line in 595 plate appearances for the Royals and Dodgers last year, stealing 35 bases in 50 attempts.
Podsednik was sidelined earlier this spring with plantar fasciitis on his left foot. He has since recovered and posted a .254/.365/.352 line in 85 minor league plate appearances. However, the Blue Jays have Rajai Davis, Corey Patterson, Juan Rivera and Jose Bautista roaming the outfield already, so they didn't need the speedy Podsednik in the majors.
Interesting. Doesn’t serve a lot of purpose in that lineup anyway.
I assume he’ll find a minor league offer somewhere. Anyone have any updates on his foot injury?
Foot injury could not have been an issue. He could not have been released if he was injured.
People are released when injured all the time, especially if requested by the player. Point of fact: The A’s released an injured Andrew Brown a year or so ago. As long as they properly handle all medical expenses, they’re in the clear. They’re not required to keep them on a roster or disabled list.
@ jwSox as well. I should have made my self clear. Meant without their consent. Thank you both for the clarification.
he did request the release so even if he was hurt he still could have been moved
Wow, I didn’t even know he had signed with the Jays in the first place…….
I would imagine he’s probably still better than what the Dodgers have played in LF this year.
This has Dodgers written all over it.
Something happened to Sands, Gwynn jr., and Gibbons?
I wouldn’t mind the Braves taking a look at Scotty Pods, especially if Jason Heyward has any significant damage to his shoulder. Heck, the Braves could use him even if Heyward isn’t injured all that bad.
Agree here, especially since our bench is about the least feared in all of baseball (including the independent leagues). Joe Mather has no business being on a major league ballclub, nor does Diory or Hicks.
He wouldn’t be any worse than anything we’ve pretended was a 4th OF this year.
Podsednik would be a great 4th OF and insurance in case Heyward need some time off. Braves could use some speed as well.
Was just coming to see if someone had said this :)
He turned down $2 million from the Dodgers at the beginning of spring training.
I thought it was Podsednik turning down $2 million option and opting to become a free agent, couldn’t get anything so he signed with the Jays.
Patterson has filled in nicely and with Wise in the minors as well, he essentially became useless.
I’m sure he’ll find a job somewhere.
Oh look, it’s who the Angels should have signed to a 1-year contract until Trout is ready in 2012 instead of royally destroying their lineup with the horrible Vernon Wells for four years. Awesome!
And now Wells is hurt and their offense is coming alive! LOL
Angels need to jump on this.
if he has 85 appearances and is ready to go, call his agent Reagins! we can’t have Howie playing left field
I’m certain the Braves will take a flyer on him.
They better after this game. I’ve run out of four-letter words to hurl at Mather from in front of my TV. His at-bats this game against the Nats were shameful.
I am glad Jays chose to go with the youth of 30 year olds Bautista and Davis plus 31 year old Patterson and 32 year old Rivera over 35 year old Podsednik
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Padres jump on him, though I doubt it would happen. God knows we can use a guy with a .250 batting average more than the next team, and I’ve about seen enough of Will Venable in RF. Could be the leadoff guy we’ve been looking for? Who knows.
Podsednik, the last two years combined, was able to put up slashes of .300/.347/.397. He’s only 35 years old, and I have to believe he can help someone.
nationals? CF?
Would love to have him back in Brewtown. He was a fan favorite here back in the early 2000’s and would be a good lefty bat with speed off the bench while Nyjer is out.
Rays? Cardinals?
Come back to the South Side Scotty.
With Jonny Gomes struggling and now sharing time with Chris Heisey and Fred Lewis, shouldn’t the Reds jump on Podsednik. Walt Jockety was interested this off season. And the Reds could use a leadoffoff hitter and move strikeout prone Stubbs to sixth or seventh.
Texas Rangers have NO starting outfielders from opening day line-up