Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Ben Francisco bunts during practice at their MLB American League spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, February 27, 2012.MIKE CASSESE/Reuters
The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Ben Francisco on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a left hamstring strain in advance of a three-game series in Texas against the Rangers.
The Blue Jays also optioned reliever Evan Crawford their Triple-A team in Las Vegas and recalled first baseman David Cooper from Las Vegas.
The Blue Jays have also selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Ryota Igarashi from Los Vegas.
Cooper, 24, is batting .298 this season in 42 games for Las Vegas with 12 doubles, a triple, six home runs and 34 RBI. The left-handed hitting first baseman has an on-base percentage of .378 after recording 22 walks with just 19 strikeouts.
In 27 games with the Blue Jays in 2011, the native of Stockton, Calif., hit .211 with seven doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI.
Igarashi, who turns 33 on May 29th, has appeared in 19 games for Las Vegas this season posting a 1-1 record with four saves and an ERA of 1.29.
Igarashi signed as a minor league free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on March 30, 2012 for a player to be named later or cash considerations.