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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch warms up on the first official day of the team's Spring Training in Dunedin, Fla. on Wednesday February 22, 2012.The Canadian Press

Jesse Litsch is now an ex-Toronto Blue Jay.

The burly right-hander, who has endured more than his fair share of injuries the last three seasons, was reinstated by the American League club on Tuesday from the 60-day disabled list.

But rather than accept an outright assignment to the minor leagues the 27-year-old has instead elected for free agency.

The former Tampa Bay Rays batboy, Litsch did not play any games at the Major League level this past season after undergoing shoulder surgery prior to spring training and then battling with a serious infection afterward.

Litsch posted a 27-27 record with a 4.16 ERA in 88 games - 67 of them starts - over parts of five seasons with the Blue Jays.

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