Blue Jays seek lefty pop from Dellucci

Toronto (42-39) at New York (46-33), 1:05 p.m. ET

Jordan Bastian / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- The Blue Jays have been searching for another left-handed hitter to breathe some life into their offense. Ever since rookie left fielder Travis Snider's struggles necessitated a trip to Triple-A Las Vegas at the end of May, Toronto has been cycling through replacements.

On Friday, the Blue Jays purchased the contract of veteran David Dellucci from Las Vegas, hoping that he might provide at least a temporary solution. To clear a spot on the roster, Toronto designated left-handed-hitting Russ Adams for assignment, meaning the club has 10 days to either trade, release or reassign the utility man.

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston wasted little time in getting Dellucci on the field. Dellucci's left-handed bat was in the lineup's eight spot and he started in left field against the Yankees on Friday afternoon. Going forward, Dellucci will split time in left with Adam Lind, and he'll also see some starts as the designated hitter for Toronto.

"When we got him, I was hoping that he could come in and help us from the left side, as far as swinging the bat and giving us a little bit more pop from that side," Gaston said. "If he goes back to his old form ... and can hit us some home runs and drive in some runs, we really could use that help. That's kind of what he's here for."

The Blue Jays initially signed the 35-year-old Dellucci to a Minor League contract on June 10 -- shortly after the outfielder was designated for assignment and released by the Indians. Cleveland signed Dellucci to a three-year, $11.5 million contract before the 2007 season, but his stint with the club was plagued by injuries and inconsistency.

Dellucci said he wasn't caught off guard by the Indians' decision to cut ties with him at the end of May.

"I was not surprised with the direction the Indians were taking," Dellucci said.