Demoting vet Howell a ‘tough’ call

Lefty reliever took decision ‘ like a champ’

The Blue Jays made a number of roster moves Wednesday, but one was particularly tough for manager John Gibbons.

Toronto designated catcher Mike Ohlman and LHP J. P. Howell for assignment and activated RHP Dominic Leone from the bereavement list and catcher Miguel Montero from the DL. Montero, the club’s No. 2 catcher, was out with a right groin strain. No. 1 catcher Russell Martin is on the DL with a left oblique strain.

Montero was on the Rogers Centre infield prior to Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays shooting golf balls, though Gibbons started Raffy Lopez.

The tough part for Gibbons was sending 34- yearold veteran Howell down. The Modesto, Calif., native had been dealing with left shoulder issues for most of the season and didn’t get the chance to pitch much. He only pitched 11 innings this season, posting a 7.36 ERA. Howell has been in the major leagues since 2005.

“He’s an old pro ... man, it was tough,” said Gibbons. “He’s been around the game a while, one of the best guys I’ve ever been around ... he took it like a champ, but it was hard.”

With his bullpen worn out, Gibbons said he needed guys who could throw multiple innings in middle relief, something Howell can’t do at this stage.

“The guys at the end of the pen ( Roberto Osuna, Ryan Tepera, Danny Barnes) are throwing a lot, so we need a couple of guys that can at least eat up some innings, get us through a game or bridge the gap,” said the manager, adding that giving players the news they are being designated is never easy.

“No, especially the good guys.”

“Ohlman, the same thing. He was scratching and clawing to get here and has been up with us a couple of times and he’s really appreciative of the opportunity.”

Ohlman, 26, has played seven games for the Jays this year and 82 for triple-A Buffalo where he was hitting .222 with 12 home runs.

Gibbons said he’s not sure yet how he’s going to rotate Montero and Lopez behind the plate until Martin gets back.

Meanwhile, Gibbons said right- handed starter Aaron Sanchez, who has been on the DL four times this season because of blister issues with his right middle finger, will start throwing the next few days. The Jays are hopeful that Sanchez will get some starts before the season ends.