The Blue Jays have released outfielder Andy Dirks, according to Sportsnet.ca’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. Dirks has recently undergone back surgery and will likely be sidelined for the entire 2015 season.
This is the second back operation in as many years for Dirks, as his prior surgery (and a couple of hamstring injuries during rehab) limited him to just 14 minor league games during 2014. Dirks hit .276/.332/.413 in 1063 plate appearances with the Tigers from 2011-13, hitting slightly better against right-handed pitching (career .751 OPS) than lefty pitching (.721 OPS).
The Jays claimed Dirks on waivers from the Tigers in October then non-tendered him to avoid paying him a projected $1.6MM (as per MLBTR’s Matt Swartz) in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Toronto then re-signed Dirks to a minor league deal in January. Were it not for his back problems, Dirks looked like a solid contender to win a part-time role with the Jays this season as a left-handed bat who could contribute in left field, DH or in a pinch-hitting role.
Seems destined to end up on the A’s when healthy moderately successful platoon player who can draw walks.
Im not sure they would want him as a platoon player, his splits were almost identical. OPS wise, that is.
All though it was some what limited he struggled mightily against Left handed starters. Which seems strange that he would be better against Lefty specialists in the bullpen. The sample size vs starters was larger though and could be more accurate.
Sad to see him miss another season. He was a gamer.
Always was rotting for Dirks, seemed like a solid player with a bright future until the back thing sidelined him. Hope he can get it sorted!