The Toronto Blue Jays optioned rookie catcher J.P. Arencibia back to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday following their 5-4 loss to the Oakland A's.
The move had been planned to coincide with the return of catcher John Buck, who is expected to be activated from the disabled list in time for Friday's game in Boston. Buck has been sidelined since suffering a lacerated thumb against the New York Yankees on Aug. 4 and has been rehabbing this week at Double-A New Hampshire.
Arencibia batted .250 in five games for Toronto. His two home run, 4-for-5 debut performance on Aug. 7 was one of the finest first games in Blue Jays' history.
"The experience has been great," Arencibia told MLB.com after learning of his demotion. "Being around these guys makes it really tough for me to leave more, just because I really enjoyed myself. Everyone's treated me great, I just want to get back as fast as possible."
Arencibia will almost certainly be recalled to the Blue Jays on Sept. 1 when major league rosters are expanded from 25 to 40 players. Jose Molina remains the back-up for Buck, who was an American League All-Star last month.
