The Toronto Blue Jays designated outfielder Norichika Aoki for assignment despite the veteran's solid performance at the plate for the club since being acquired from the Houston Astros.
Aoki, 35, went to the Blue Jays in the trade that sent Francisco Liriano to the Houston Astros. In 12 games for the Blue Jays, he hit .281 with three home runs and eight RBIs.
"It wasn't easy," Toronto manager John Gibbons said of the decision on Aoki, according to MLB.com. "The guy's played great for us. We need to keep some extra arms.