TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays are bringing back catcher Josh Thole.

The club announced Thursday that the knuckleball specialist has been signed to a major-league contract.

Thole elected to become a free agent on Tuesday night after clearing waivers. The 29-year-old was designated for assignment by Toronto on Monday to make room for catcher Dioner Navarro.

Thole is primarily used as the catcher for knuckleballer R.A. Dickey but is hitting just .158 this season in 47 games.

With Toronto off Thursday, second baseman Devon Travis was temporarily optioned to Bluefield of the Appalachian League to make room. He is expected to be recalled when the Blue Jays open a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Friday.