With Reyes out up to three months, Jays recall Munenori Kawasaki

At least for now, Munenori Kawasaki, once a Japanese League version of Jose Reyes, becomes the Blue Jay shortstop in the wake of Reyes’s ankle injury in Cleveland on Friday night.

In Japan, Kawasaki was known for attributes that characterize Reyes – a Gold Glove infielder who hit for a high average, ranked among the league leaders in stolen bases, and exhibited sheer joy for the game.

He’s played one Major League season, becoming a fan favourite in Seattle despite hitting just .192 in 61 games. A Seattle Times blog described him as lovingly goofy, often seen with a huge grin on his face, and as one who celebrated victories with uninhibited passion.

The 31-year-old Kawasaki became a starting shortstop in the Japanese League in the 2004 season, playing for the Hawks. He led the league in hits and steals that season, while winning the Gold Glove Award. He made the country’s World Baseball Classic roster in 2006, when Japan won the championship, and also the 2008 Beijing Olympics roster, although he had to bow out due to injury.

Toronto signed the 5-foot-10 inch shortstop in mid-March as a free agent and promoted him from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, the day after Reyes suffered an ankle injury sliding awkwardly into second base in Kansas City. Reyes is expected to miss one to three months, although he tweeted optimistically on Saturday that he’ll be back “soon.”

via With Reyes out up to three months, Jays recall Kawasaki – The Globe and Mail.