He played shortstop before being optioned to the Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs on May 25, 2006 (along with Josh Towers). On June 12, 2006, he was recalled by the Blue Jays after playing 17 games for Syracuse. After having trouble with the bat since his call up, and due to teammate Aaron Hill's struggles at short, he was removed as the second baseman, with Hill switching over to second and utility man John McDonald taking the shortstop role previously occupied by Hill. He was optioned back to Syracuse on July 30 so that he could receive more playing time.