Here is the press release:

BLUE JAYS RELEASE RUIZ

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS announce that 1B RANDY RUIZ has been granted his release and has signed a contract with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japan Pacific League. The Blue Jays have recalled OF JEREMY REED to take his place on the 25-man roster.

RUIZ, 32, batted .150 with one home run and one RBI in 13 games this season. The Reading, Pennsylvania native has appeared in 68 career Major League games with two different clubs, posting a .272 average with 12 home runs. In 11 Minor League seasons, the right-handed hitter compiled a career average of .304 in 1088 games, including 192 career home runs and was named Pacific Coast League MVP for Las Vegas (AAA) in 2009.

REED, 28, has appeared in two games with the Blue Jays this season hitting .250. In 31 games with Las Vegas the left handed hitting outfielder is batting .265 with two home runs and nine RBI.

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have also activated LHP MARC RZEPCZYNSKI from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Las Vegas (AAA). The 24 year-old was placed on the disabled list on April 4 with a broken left middle finger suffered during spring training. The left handed pitcher posted a record of 2-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 2009 during his rookie season.

 Tom Back: I'm sort of surprised we did it so soon, but he wasn't hitting at all and he doesn't have any other selling points other than his bat. I can't imagine Reed will play all that much. I guess it puts Bautista as the backup at first.

Have to wish Randy the best of luck in Japan, I'm sure he will be very popular over there and he'll be making more money than he could have here.  I'm sorry it didn't work out here for him.