Saturday Bantering: White Sox retire Mark Buehrle’s no. 56

The Chicago White Sox retired former Blue Jay Mark Buehrle’s number 56 yesterday. In a press conference before the ceremony, Buehrle said that he plays first base and hits fourth in his beer league softball game.

Buehrle also wrote a piece for The Players Tribune about his time in a uniform — starting with being locked in a bus bathroom with five or six other guys, and how it was so special because it was major league hazing. The piece is definitely worth a read.

The Blue Jays recalled Ian Parmley and optioned Cesar Valdez yesterday, moving Devon Travis to the 60-day disabled list to clear room on the 40-man roster. Parmley made his major league debut in yesterday’s game, batting ninth and playing in right field.

Echoing what I reported earlier, the Blue Jays are set to sign their second-round pick Hagen Danner, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Danner will reportedly sign for much more than the allotted money for the 61st spot ($1,043,200). Danner is committed to UCLA, but previously said it was “very likely” he would sign with the Blue Jays. He was drafted as a catcher, but also pitched in high school.

The Blue Jays lost 5-4 to the Royals last night. Since I don’t feel like reliving the horror that was the ninth inning, check out Matt Gross’s recap here.

Roberto Osuna wasn’t available in the game because “he wasn’t feeling well,” as John Gibbons told the media after the game. “That’s all you need to know.”

Toronto will play the Royals again at 2:15 ET today with Marco Estrada on the mound. Jason Vargas, the left-hander who has 10 wins this season, is on the mound for the Royals. You can watch the game on Sportsnet or listen to it on Sportsnet 590.

Other notes:

• Roy Halladay, speaking at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, says that he will go into Cooperstown as a Blue Jay, should he be inducted.
• Former Blue Jay Franklin Barreto, traded as part of the Josh Donaldson deal, has been called up to the major league club in Oakland.
• The Yankees cut Chris Carter yesterday, and Michael Saunders was released by the Phillies.

Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkColley.