SPORTS

Canadian Michael Saunders says it's an 'honour' to play for Blue Jays

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, December 4, 2014 5:33PM EST

Michael Saunders smiles as he is congratulated in the dugout on his home run against the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, July 7, 2014, in Seattle. (/Elaine Thompson/AP Photo)

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Michael Saunders says it's an "honour" to be a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The team acquired the Victoria native in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday that sent left-hander J.A. Happ the other way.

Saunders said on a conference call Thursday that playing for Toronto won't just be about representing the city, but all of Canada.

The 28-year-old hit .273 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 78 games last season while battling joint inflammation in his right shoulder and a strained left oblique.

In 553 games over six seasons in the majors, Saunders has a .231 average with 51 home runs, 182 RBIs and 54 stolen bases, only becoming a everyday player in 2012.

It's expected he will take over in left field for Melky Cabrera, who declined Toronto's US$15.3-million qualifying offer last month and is a free agent.