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Blue Jays catcher prospect A.J. Jimenez, who was shut down last August because of a nerve problem in his elbow, is feeling good after beginning a throwing program Monday, according to The Toronto Star.
"I think this spring training is going to be big for me, because I want to show to them that I’m ready for the start of the season," said Jimenez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2011. "I know, because I’ve stayed positive the whole time, that it’s going to come sooner than later. Just stay healthy is going to be the main thing."
After spending the last six seasons in the minors, Jimenez could be ready to join the major-league roster at some point in 2014. The signing of Tomo Ohka, who is trying to revive his career as a knuckleballer, could provide Jimenez with the experience he needs in the minors to be ready to catch knuckleballer R.A. Dickey once he gets to the majors.
"I would say they (are thinking of me)," Jimenez said. "I would say the signing of that guy (Ohka) is going to give me another door to open. I’m going to do whatever they want me to do to play in the big leagues. I feel like when they traded all those guys, it made me a free way to make it to the big leagues. I’m thankful for that. That’s when I’ve worked hard, no matter what."
