TORONTO -- It was a change of scenery in theory, though not a change of venue, as Eric Sogard was traded to the Rays from the Blue Jays during Sunday’s game between the two teams at Rogers Centre.The move wasn’t officially made until after Tampa Bay completed its seven-run comeback to down the home team 10-9 in the series finale -- after falling in the same exact fashion on Saturday -- leaving the nine-year big league veteran wondering which outcome might be most favorable.
“It was definitely an interesting scenario,” Sogard said. “It was like I was kind of sitting there thinking, 'What team should I be cheering for?' in a way. But these last two games were absolutely wild games, and to come out even, both with seven-run-deficit comebacks, is very impressive.”Sogard’s day at the yard began and ended in Blue Jays gear, with the utility infielder and occasional outfielder set to officially join Tampa Bay on the road in Boston during Monday’s off-day ahead of his first game in a Rays jersey on Tuesday, though he admitted that he would have enjoyed donning both teams’ colors on Sunday.“Absolutely,” Sogard said of whether he wished he could have worn two uniforms in one day. “It would have been very awesome. It would have been neat even starting the game with the Blue Jays and then being able to go over and finish it with them.”In 73 games for Toronto this year, Sogard has hit .300/.363/.477 with 10 home runs -- after sending 11 balls out of the park in the first eight years of his career -- 17 doubles, two triples, 45 runs scored and 30 RBIs. He signed a Minor League deal with the Blue Jays during the offseason and is eligible for free agency at the end of this seasonThe Rays announced two other trades, sending right-hander Hunter Wood and infielder Christian Arroyo to the Indians for Minor League outfielder Ruben Cardenas and international slot money; and trading righty Ian Gibaut to the Rangers for a player to be named or cash considerations.
Alexis Brudnicki /MLB.com
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