The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed reliever David Herndon off of waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies, reports Todd Zolecki of MLB.com:

The Blue Jays claimed right-hander David Herndon off waivers today. The Phillies removed Herndon from the 40-man roster, which was not a surprise. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery and had been eligible for salary arbitration. Plus, several relief pitchers had moved ahead of him on the depth chart.

Herndon, 27, pitched well for the Phillies in 2010-2011. The right-hander posted a 3.79 ERA and 5.6 K/9 over one hundred nine innings in that timeframe. Herndon went under the knife in June, and is not expected to make a full recovery from his surgery until at least the middle of 2013.

To make room for Herndon on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated right-hander Tyson Brummett – whom they claimed off waivers from Phillies earlier this week – for assignment.

Herndon is the fifth player the Blue Jays have claimed off waivers in the last week, joining catcher Bobby Wilson, reliever Corey Wade, outfielder Scott Cousins and the aforementioned Brummett.