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Blue Jays option struggling Gurriel to Triple-A

Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Toronto Blue Jays option infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday following a rough start to his 2019 season.

Gurriel was pulled from Sunday's 8-4 loss to Tampa Bay in the fourth inning shortly after making a throwing error at second base on what should have been a routine play. It marked the second straight game that Gurriel committed an error at second, and he hasn't looked comfortable playing the position all season.

Manager Charlie Montoyo confirmed postgame that he removed Gurriel because of the error.

"He's a young kid struggling mentally," Montoyo said, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae. "Yes, that's why we took him out of the game."

In addition to his documented struggles with the glove, Gurriel has gotten off to a slow start at the plate. He's slashing .175/.250/.275 with 12 strikeouts through 13 games.

Toronto called up infielder Eric Sogard from Triple-A ahead of Monday's game in Minnesota. Sogard, an eight-year veteran, has experience playing second, third, and shortstop and is hitting .267/.395/.433 with a homer, seven walks, and four strikeouts over nine games with the Bisons.

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