Nix works to fix swing since demotion by Jays

When the Toronto Blue Jays designated Jayson Nix for assignment, he could have refused and become a free agent.

He didn't.

When Nix arrived in Las Vegas, he could have sulked and complained about being with the Triple-A 51s rather than in the first-class lifestyle of the major leagues.

He didn't.

Instead, Nix began working with 51s hitting coach Chad Mottola to refine his swing. The results have been mixed. Though Nix went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in the 51s' 9-8 loss to the Tucson Padres in 13 innings on Sunday at Cashman Field, he is batting .283 since being sent down July 11. He was hitting .325 entering the game.

Nix, a 28-year-old utilityman, said being a pro has taught him to handle the emotional ups and downs that come with moving between the major and minor leagues. He has played 264 games with four big league clubs, getting his first call-up with Colorado in 2008.

"The tough part of being a professional it not concentrating on things you can't control," Nix said. "This is the situation I've been dealt, and I'm going to make the most of it and do what I can do."

The Blue Jays acquired Nix in a trade with the Cleveland Indians before the season, but he didn't have a seamless transition to the new organization.

Nix was batting .244 with two home runs and five RBIs in 17 games before severely bruising his left shin April 22 while trying to turn a double play. Nix returned May 18, but batted .132 in 29 games, lowering his season average to .169 with four homers and 16 RBIs.

The Blue Jays took Nix off the 40-man roster and designated him for assignment. He chose to stay with the Blue Jays rather than test free agency.

"I wanted to stay here," Nix said. "I like what's going on up there (in Toronto) with the team. I feel like they'll do well, and it's something I want to be a part of, and I feel I can help them."

Once Nix cleared waivers, he was sent to Las Vegas.

"He came down with a great attitude and with the idea of helping himself out," 51s manager Marty Brown said.

Even if that meant moving around the field. Though Nix played primarily third base in Toronto, he has shown his versatility by taking whatever position Brown has assigned him. Nix has mostly played second base and shortstop -- his position Sunday against Tucson -- and even three games in the outfield.

Offensively, he worked with Mottola to adjust how he holds the bat and his positioning in the batter's box. Brown said the changes were to help Nix "be sound and not worry so much about being perfect." The positive results Nix is seeing could yield another opportunity with Toronto or another big league club.

"I think what I'm doing now will translate up there," Nix said. "I'm still kind of a work in progress, but I think that will help."

■ NOTE -- 51s pitcher Michael MacDonald was placed on the disabled list because of a groin injury. Right-hander Chad Beck was promoted from Double-A New Hampshire.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.