SAN DIEGO – With Edwin Encarnacion preparing to play the bulk of his games at designated hitter next season, the Blue Jays are stockpiling potential candidates to man first base.

The club claimed Chris Colabello off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Monday.

Colabello, 31, had an extensive career in independent baseball before breaking into the big leagues with the Twins two seasons ago.

In 401 career big league plate appearances, Colabello’s hit 13 home runs and posted an OPS of .642. Based on the WAR statistic, Colabello has produced at a rate below that of a replacement player (-1.1 Wins Above Replacement over two seasons).

Colabello, a right-handed hitter, will compete for first base with the likes of Justin Smoak, who the Blue Jays claimed off waivers from the Mariners on October 28 but then non-tendered. Smoak re-signed for $1-million on December 2.

Colabello also can play the outfield, having appeared in 30 games in right field in his big league career.