BLUE JAYS PICK UP OPTION ON ENCARNACION

By ROCKET SPORTS and ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK on November 1, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE courtesy of the Toronto Blue jays

TORONTO, ONTARIO

Monday, October 31, 2011

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS announce that the 2012 option on INF EDWIN ENCARNACION has been exercised for US $3.5 million, while the 2012 option on RHP JON RAUCH has been declined.

ENCARNACION, 28, appeared in 134 games, his most in his three years as a Blue Jay, posting a .272 average with 36 doubles, 17 home runs and 55 RBI. The Dominican Republic native produced a .382 on base percentage after the All-Star break and his 36 doubles were the most in the American League for anyone with less than 500 at-bats. A seven year veteran, the right-handed hitter has a career .260 average with 166 doubles and 117 home runs in just 786 games.

RAUCH, 33, appeared in 53 games for the Blue Jays last season, 4^th most on the club, recording a 5-4 record with 11 saves and a 4.85 ERA. The Tucson, Arizona resident spent parts of 2011 as the closer, converting 11 of 16 opportunities. In nine seasons, the right-hander has recorded 58 saves and a 3.82 ERA in 468 games.