Blue Jays cut RHP Storen, recall RHP Tepera

TORONTO (AP) Struggling relief pitcher Drew Storen had been designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays, who recalled right-hander Ryan Tepera from Triple-A Buffalo.

Toronto acquired Storen from Washington in January for outfielder Ben Revere, hoping the former closer would be a valuable option in late-inning situations.

Instead, Storen went 1-3 with a 6.21 ERA and three saves in 38 games for the Blue Jays. In his final appearance Saturday, he gave up a three-run home run to Nelson Cruz.

Storen saved a career-high 43 games for Washington in 2011 but lost his job when Jonathan Papelbon was acquired in a July 28 trade last season. In September, Storen broke his right thumb while slamming the lock box in his locker after giving up a go-ahead homer to the New York Mets' Yoenis Cespedes.

Toronto has 10 days to trade Storen or release him. If he is released, the Blue Jays would be responsible for the remainder of his $8,375,000 salary.

Tepera is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in five games with Toronto this season, his second in the majors.