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TORONTO -- Sergio Santos is leaving Toronto, but the Blue Jays hope his absence is temporary. . The Blue Jays designated the right-handed former closer for assignment Monday, which meant putting him on waivers because he was out of minor league options. General manager Alex Anthopoulos hopes the 31-year-old can get back into major-league form while pitching for triple-A Buffalo, provided he clears waivers Wednesday. "The way to get things worked out is to go throw some innings," Anthopoulos said. "We hope this is a quick move, get some innings, get hot and come back because we certainly could use the help." Santos hadnt been helping the Blue Jays much lately, giving up five earned runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings over his past four appearances. He issued four walks in that time, and Anthopoulos singled out a lack of command as the biggest issue. Because of that, and because Toronto is chasing down the American League East-leading Baltimore Orioles, there havent been many opportunities for manager John Gibbons to help Santos out by putting him into games. "Its tough to find spots to find that groove a little bit," Gibbons said. "Hes a little out of whack right now, but its tough to find him work." Santos is making US$3.75 million, which could deter other teams, even those searching for bullpen help, from claiming him off waivers. Anthopoulos didnt want to discuss the odds of Santos making it through. What the Blue Jays GM made clear was that Santos was still very much wanted, adding that he wouldnt explore trade options. Anthopoulos also said Santos, who has a 7.78 earned-run average in 24 appearances this season and briefly filled in for injured closer Casey Janssen, had not asked to be traded. "Hes a very accountable guy, he knows he hasnt pitched to his ability," Anthopoulos said. "He knows he can be a dominant closer, setup guy, whatever is needed. I think like anybody hes got all the belief in the world in himself and hell be fine. Hell get it back." In his place, the Blue Jays recalled left-handed reliever Rob Rasmussen from Buffalo. In two previous call-ups this season, the 25-year-old allowed four earned runs in six innings while striking out seven. With Rasmussen on the 25-man roster in place of Santos, the Jays have just two right-handed relievers ahead of Janssen in Dustin McGowan and Todd Redmond. They have four lefties in Brett Cecil, Aaron Loup, Brad Mills and now Rasmussen, but Anthopoulos said he was not concerned about the lack of balance there. "We dont look at it that way," Anthopoulos said. "Were looking at just guys that can get outs for us. Right, left, submarine, whatever it is: If you can get three outs, its fine." Santos hadnt been able to do that effectively, which led to Mondays move. After a strong September that saw him post a 0.90 ERA in 10 appearances, Santos couldnt locate his fastball well enough to get ahead of hitters. "Theres no doubt it starts there. His sliders his out pitch, but you cant get to the slider if you dont get the fastball over," Anthopoulos said. "Theres very few guys ... that can just go slider, slider, slider the entire time." Anthopoulos said Santos would be a "priority guy" with the Bisons if he clears waivers so that he can throw a lot of innings and get his command back. Anthopoulos added there was no doubt Santos was healthy enough and that command problems were not a result of injury, even though Santos has some history of arm troubles. If its a matter of confidence, Gibbons isnt worried about Santos. "Everybody battles (a lack of confidence) when things get tough," he said. "But I think its more just putting it together again." Notes -- Workouts continued Monday for injured players Edwin Encarnacion, Adam Lind and Brett Lawrie. Encarnacion and Lind are in Dunedin, Fla., and Gibbons said each player took batting practice on the field while Encarnacion also fielded some ground balls. Lawrie, who is in Toronto, did throwing and agility drills. .- Norm Van Brocklin When I was 13, I transferred to a new school for the first time. I had spent ten years from junior kindergarten through Grade 8 at the northwest corner of Bathurst Street and Viewmount Avenue in midtown Toronto. . The Texas Rangers said Darvish was examined by team physician Dr. Keith Meister before Tuesday nights game against Houston, and that "everything appears to be OK." Darvish is expected to make his scheduled start Wednesday night in the series finale against the Astros. . John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Harry Reid (D-Nev.KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Dom Dwyers seventh-minute goal gave Sporting Kansas City a 1-0 home win over D.C. United on Friday to move to the top of Major League Soccers overall points standings. Kansas City is two points ahead of New York and Portland, who both play on Saturday. United saw their winless streak reach 18 games and need to win their season ffinale against Houston on Oct. . 27 to avoid finishing with the fewest wins in the leagues 18 seasons. So far it has won three. After Dwyers early goal, Jared Jeffrey nearly equalized in the 15th minute for United when he got free for a 1-on-1 at close range but goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen held his ground and blocked the shot. ' ' '