Saunders has left the Blue Jays to witness the birth of his child, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear how much time Saunders will miss while away from the team, but it shouldn't be more than a few games. The 30-year-old outfielder has primarily seen time as a pinch hitter since joining the Blue Jays after rosters expanded, going 3-for-6 with with two walks and two strikeouts. He'll continue to occupy a bench role when he returns.

The Blue Jays will call up Saunders from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

EDGE Analysis

The well-traveled, risk-reward outfielder wraps up his Bisons campaign at .275/.322/.408, with two home runs in 152 plate appearances, following a .205/.257/.360 stretch with six bombs in 214 plate appearances for the Phillies. Saunders will serve a depth role for the Jays, making him somewhat valuable in AL-only formats.

Saunders signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Toronto struggled to find consistent production from the left field spot between Ezequiel Carrera and Steve Pearce this season, so the organization could end up turning to a former Blue Jay to see if he can offer a boost at the position. Saunders was let go by the Phillies earlier this month after slashing .205/.257/.360 in 214 plate appearances, but he's just one season removed from a 24-homer, 32-double campaign that netted him an All-Star nod with Toronto. He'll first report to Triple-A Buffalo to begin his second tour with the organization, but if he's able to find some success at the plate early on, a promotion to the big club could come quickly.

The Phillies released Saunders on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Saunders and his $9 million contract unsurprisingly passed through waivers unclaimed, so the Phillies have given him his release. He is now eligible to sign with any team for the minimum.

Saunders was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being named an All-Star last season, Saunders struggled through the first half of 2017 before being cast off the Phillies' 40-man roster. The 30-year-old managed a weak .205/.257/.360 triple slash with six homers and 51 strikeouts in 200 at-bats this season (61 games). Given his $9 million contract, he'll likely pass through waivers and sign elsewhere for cheaper.

Saunders was scratched from the lineup prior to Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

When lineups were initially released Sunday morning, Saunders was penciled in to bat sixth and start in right field. Manager Pete Mackanin has since decided to shake things up by moving Aaron Altherr to right field and having Daniel Nava start in left.

Saunders went 2-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Saunders got the start in right field after sitting on the bench the prior three games. He snapped an 0-for-19 skid Saturday while also putting together his first multi-hit game since May 28. The veteran outfielder will need to continue to capitalize on his opportunities to try to earn back some of the playing time he has lost to Daniel Nava.

Saunders is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Saunders will hit the bench with left-hander Brian Johnson pitching for Boston for the first game in Philly. The Phillies outfield will consist of Daniel Nava, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr for the evening, and there's a good chance they could also keep Saunders on the bench for another day with Chris Sale tabbed to start for the Red Sox on Thursday.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Saunders will likely be on the bench with the Red Sox set to send left-handed starters to the mound in each of the next three games, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saunders has just one hit in the month of June and is hitting just .203/.250/.359 in 192 at-bats this season. There is playing time to be had in the outfield with Howie Kendrick starting at second base in place of the injured Cesar Hernandez (oblique), but Saunders' struggles have opened the door for Daniel Nava to get more playing time.

Saunders is out of the lineup Monday against the Red Sox, Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Phillies have a spot open in the lineup now that Cesar Hernandez (oblique) is on the 10-day disabled list, but it appears it's not a foregone conclusion that Saunders will fill the void like some might have anticipated. Saunders started in right field Sunday against the Cardinals with Aaron Altherr receiving the day off, but with Altherr back in the lineup Monday, it's Daniel Nava -- not Saunders -- who will stick in the starting nine. Nava hit his third home run of the season Sunday and is now carrying a .313/.434/.493 line over 83 plate appearances, which could prompt manager Pete Mackanin to give the veteran a longer look in a full-time role. Saunders should at least be in store for semi-regular duties in the Phillies outfield, but he could see his at-bats dry up if Nava continues to sizzle.