TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed Brad Mills off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, bringing the left-handed pitcher back to the team that drafted him.

The 29-year-old Mills started three games for Oakland this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.41 earned-run average.

He opened the season appearing in 14 games and making 12 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers triple-A affiliate in Nashville, posting a 4-2 record with a 1.56 ERA, before being traded to Oakland and joining the Major League team.

Originally drafted in the fourth round in 2007 by the Blue Jays, the six-foot, 188-pound pitcher has a career record of 4-4 in 18 games (13 starts) with a 6.98 ERA with Toronto, the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays have designated right-hander Deck McGuire for assignment. The team will make a corresponding move to the 25-man roster once Mills reports to the team.