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The Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed infielder Munenori Kawasaki to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training, according to a team announcement.
Kawasaki, 32, had his $1 million team option declined by the Jays after the season and will instead return for less money on a minor league contract. He hit only .229 with 1 HR and 24 RBI in 96 big league games, but provided one of the highlights of the Jays' season in a postgame interview after hitting a walk-off double to beat the Orioles in late May.
Kawasaki will likely begin 2014 with Triple-A Buffalo, with whom he hit .250 with 3 RBI in 25 games last season. He could see time as a utility infielder for the Jays next year, but the recent addition of Brent Morel makes the team's infield even more crowded.
