Fri May 9 18:12:51 2008

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Short-handed Blue Jays sign OF Wilkerson

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Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Brad Wilkerson on Friday. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Wilkerson, who signed with Seattle in January after two seasons with Texas and five with Montreal/Washington, was hitting .232 with four doubles and five RBI in 19 games with the Mariners this season before being designated for assignment. The 30-year old outfielder is a .249 hitter with 118 home runs and 376 RBI in eight major league seasons.

To make room for Wilkerson and recent acquisition Kevin Mench from the Texas Rangers, the Blue Jays have optioned infielder Joe Inglett to Triple-A Syracuse, while designating pitcher Gustavo Chacin and infielder Sergio Santos for assignment.

Toronto was in need of veteran bench help, as the club placed infielders David Eckstein (strained hip flexor) and John McDonald (sprained right ankle) on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday.