Thole welcomes Navarro’s return

TORONTO — Blue Jays catcher Josh Thole fully understands the reasons why the club traded for another catcher, Dioner Navarro, Friday even if it means his immediate future with the club is up in the air. “Navy’s one of my favourite guys,” said Thole. “He’s been a big help to me. He was a big part of this team last year and he’ll fit right in. But he’s helped me out a lot. In 2014 when I was backing him up, he was a big asset to me.” Navarro spent two seasons with the Jays before signing as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox in the off-season. The Jays made the move to bring him back as Russ Martin’s main backup as it will be an offensive upgrade from Thole. Navarro is not having the greatest year (.210 with six home runs in 85 games), but Thole has also struggled (.164, one HR, 7 RBIs) as R.A Dickey’s personal catcher. Navarro is expected to be activated Monday. As for Thole, he is out of options and the Jays would have to designate him for assignment. If he goes unclaimed, they would likely keep him to catch Dickey. The Jays will likely carry three catchers in September. Thole, who played Saturday to give Martin some rest, is taking the Navarro acquisition in stride. “It’s part of being a backup catcher. You cause problems as a backup catcher, you’re out,” he said. “I come in here, go about my business, do my work, have fun, try to be loose with everybody ... that’s part of who I am.” Thole’s bat has come to life recently as he’s posted six RBIs over his last 12 games. He had a double and a single in an 8-7 win against Minnesota Saturday.