The Toronto Blue Jays today announced that they have signed free agent INF MAICER IZTURIS to a three-year contract. The club also acquired RHP JEREMY JEFFRESS in a trade with the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash considerations.

Izturis, 32, played with the Buffalo Bisons during the 2003 season. In 85 games with the Herd, the switching-hitter averaged .262 (79-301) with 16 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 29RBI. He also stole 14 bases for the Bisons that year.

Last season, Izturis appeared in 100 games for the Los Angeles Angels, posting a .256 average with two home runs, 20RBI and 17 stolen bases. The Barquisimeto, VZ native is a nine-year MLB veteran, having averaged .273 with 146 doubles, 17 triples, 34 home runs and 301RBI in 791 games with the Angles and Expos.

Jeffress, 25, made 13 appearances in relief for the Kansas City Royals last season without a decision, posting a 6.75ERA. In 13.1 innings, he allowed 19 hits with 13 walks and 13 strikeouts. In 38 relief appearances combined between Triple-A Omaha of the Pacific Coast League and Double-A Northwest Arkansas of the Texas League (AA), he posted a record of 5-4 with a 4.85ERA with three saves and 64 strikeouts in 59.1 innings.

In parts of three Major League seasons with Milwaukee (2010) and Kansas City (2011-2012), Jeffress has made 37 relief appearances, posting a 2-1 record with one save and a 4.89 ERA.

-the herd-