TORONTO -- In need of arms to help a tired bullpen, the Toronto Blue Jays have purchased the contract of right-hander pitcher Marcus Walden from the Buffalo Bison of the International League. Emilio Vargas Jersey . To make roster room, Toronto designated right-hander Jeremy Jeffress for assignment. "With the last couple of starts, we didnt get a whole lot out of our starters," manager John Gibbons said Saturday prior to an afternoon game against the New York Yankees. "We needed some length." Toronto used five pitchers after starter Dustin McGowan lasted just 2 2/3 innings in a 7-3 loss to the Yankees on Friday night. Brandon Morrow went five innings, with two relievers coming on after in a 7-2 loss Thursday in Tampa. The Friday night loss marked the third time in five games this season that the Jays have allowed 11-plus hits. The Jays had looked at bringing up Chad Jenkins but because hes on the 40-man roster hes not eligible to be brought up until April 11 -- unless in the case of an injury replacement. The 25-year-old Walden has made one appearance with the Bisons this season, pitching a scoreless inning. The six-foot 195-pound pitcher made 26 starts for the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Eastern League last season, recording a 6-14 record with a 3.71 ERA. "He impressed me during spring training," said Gibbons. " He can throw some innings for you, hes used to starting. And he throws strikes, thats the key." The hard-throwing Jeffress gave up three hits and one run in one inning of relief Friday night against New York. "We like Jeffress potential," said Gibbons. "He did a nice job for us in September but he didnt get off to a real good start. Thats the reality of the business ... He was the odd man out." General manager Alex Anthopoulos, meanwhile, said pitcher J.A. Happ was slated to throw a rehab assignment in Dunedin on Saturday night barring weather issues. A back issue has resulted in Happ, who was pencilled in for a spot in the starting rotation, starting the season on the disabled list. Matt Andriese Jersey . After Andrew Romine served up two monster home runs in the inning, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he thought Romine was one of the bright spots on the night, showing just how bad the series opener against the last-place Minnesota Twins went for the Tigers. David Peralta Jersey . -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh says he isnt going to change what he does on the field. https://www.cheapdiamondbacksjerseys.us/258l-eduardo-escobar-jersey-diamondbacks.html . -- Antoine Bibeau bought the Val-dOr Foreurs valuable time at the Memorial Cup with his 51-save shutout Friday.NASHVILLE -- Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has been cleared by doctors to increase his physical activity, and now Nashville has to decide whats next for the two-time Vezina Trophy finalist. The Predators announced that Rinne had been cleared for the next step of his recovery after meeting with doctors earlier Monday. Coach Barry Trotz said a meeting was planned for later Monday to set a weekly plan for Rinne. "Our destination is to get Pekka back in the net at some point," Trotz said. "Whenever that happens, that happens. It feels a lot better than it was a month ago or six weeks ago." The goalie has been sidelined since arthroscopic surgery on his left hip Oct. 24 as a result of a bacterial infection. The infection developed in the same hip surgically repaired Maay 9 after last season. Matt Mantei Jersey. . Rinne started practicing Feb. 19 and has worked a bit more each day. Rinne is 4-4-1 in the nine games he has played this season with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He practiced again Monday said he feels really optimistic. "The next step is playing games, and hopefully that is really soon here," Rinne said. The Predators, who return from the Olympic break hosting Tampa Bay on Thursday, could have Rinne play some games soon in Milwaukee with their American Hockey League affiliate. Nashville is four points out of the Western Conferences final playoff spot with 23 games remaining. General manager David Poile said last week the Predators best move at the trade deadline could be getting Rinne back on the ice. ' ' '