The Blue Jays have designated Justin Germano for assignment, according to the club's official transactions page. In a related move, Toronto has recalled fellow pitcher Ricky Romero from the minors.
The 30-year-old Germano has appeared in one game for the Jays this season after signing a minor-league deal with the club in the offseason. Toronto promoted him on April 27 after they designated fellow pitcher Aaron Laffey for assignment.
Germano pitched 23 innings for Triple-A Buffalo this year while posting a 6.65 ERA, 5.9 K/9, and 0.8 BB/9. The righty has also pitched for the Padres, Reds, Indians, Red Sox, and Cubs over the course of his big league career, compiling a 5.29 career ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 along the way.
The Blue Jays optioned Romero to High-A Dunedin in late March in an effort to get his mechanics ironed out. The pitcher is owed $7.5MM in each of the next three seasons and Toronto was willing to be patient with him as he worked through his issues.
Shi Davidi of Sportsnet (on Twitter) reported yesterday that the Blue Jays were gearing up to designate Germano for assignment in order to make room for Romero.
