Jays release Shannon Stewart

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays reinstated outfielder Shannon Stewart from the disabled list and released him outright on Monday.

Stewart, 34, a 1992 first-round draft choice of the Blue Jays, appeared in 52 games this season for Toronto, hitting .240 with four doubles, two triples, a home run and 14 RBIs.

Stewart was placed on the disabled list June 8 after suffering a sprained right ankle. In eight games on medical rehab, he collected six hits in 22 at-bats.

Toronto selected Stewart in the first round, 19th overall, in the ‘92 amateur draft. He spent parts of eight seasons with the Blue Jays before being traded to Minnesota for Bobby Kielty in 2003. Stewart played in 855 games with Toronto, hitting .301 with 218 doubles, 73 home runs and 163 stolen bases.

Stewart signed with the Oakland A’s prior to the ‘07 campaign and finished his one season with the club hitting .290 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI in 146 games.

Stewart returned to Toronto on Feb. 24, 2008, signing a minor-league deal. The move was surprising, considering the Blue Jays had re-signed left-fielder Reed Johnson.

But the Jays released Johnson and had Stewart platoon with Fredericton’s Matt Stairs in left field. Toronto purchased Stewart’s contract from triple-A Syracuse on March 30.

With files from CP

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