Blue Jays Have Trade Interest In Braves Shortstop Tyler Pastornicky

The Toronto Blue Jays apparently have expressed interesting in trading for Atlanta Braves shortstop Tyler Pastornicky, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN:

Blue Jays have inquired about Braves SS Tyler Pastornicky

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) April 14, 2013

This interest is driven by a need to replace Jose Reyes, who will be sidelined in Toronto for the next three months. Pastornicky is familiar to the Jays, having been drafted by Toronto and included in the trade that sent Alex Gonzalez to Atlanta for Yunel Escobar.

The emergence of Ramiro Pena as the utility infielder backing up Andrelton Simmons has made Pastornicky all but expendable. The return of Paul Janish in a few weeks also adds to the superfluousness of Pastornicky. When given the chance to promote Tyler earlier this season when Freddie Freeman went on the disabled list, the team instead chose to promote Blake DeWitt, even though they had to add DeWitt to the 40-man roster.

There's nothing wrong with Pastornicky's bat. He's hitting .400/.404/.578 at triple-A Gwinnett through the first 11 games of the year. The fact that he's a decent (even good) hitter, despite his defensive shortcomings, means that the Braves would likely ask for something pretty decent in return.

I doubt there would be a Major League player sent Atlanta's way, but Pastornicky could definitely return a decent relief prospect or lower-level hitting prospect. We'll keep an eye on this rumor. Once Janish is back from his injury, the Braves will have a substantial amount of shortstop depth -- and remember, Atlanta traded a shortstop prospect in the Upton deal this off-season.