Jays place Kiner-Falefa on 10-day IL

Leo Jimenez can't believe he's in a Major League Baseball clubhouse, preparing for a game with players he used to watch as a fan.

TORONTO – Leo Jimenez can’t believe he’s in a Major League Baseball clubhouse, preparing for a game with players he used to watch as a fan.

Jimenez was recalled by the Blue Jays from their triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, N.Y., on Tuesday afternoon, hours before Toronto hosted the Houston Astros. Although the 23-year-old middle infielder is just a couple of years younger than first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette, he’s proud to be on the same roster as them.

“It’s nice to be here, sharing a locker room with them and being able to talk to them a lot,” said Jimenez in the home dugout at Rogers Centre. “That’s something that I really take pride in.

“I never thought I would be in this position, being that close to them.”

Jimenez was called up for his MLB debut to replace infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left knee sprain. The move was retroactive to Monday after Kiner-Falefa hurt himself warming up.

Originally a shortstop, Jimenez has started playing some second base in the Blue Jays’ organization. He’s hitting .271 with seven home runs and 23 runs batted in over 57 games for the Buffalo Bisons this season. Most impressive is his .416 on-base percentage thanks to 30 walks drawn in 226 plate appearances.

“It’s been something that I’ve been working on throughout the years, to make my game better every season,” said Jimenez, who is from Chitre, Panama. “I think this year in Buffalo has been a great year so far.

“A lot of learning, a lot of great experiences over there. Ups and downs, but I guess that’s how the game works.”