DUNEDIN, Fla. — Sent to the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league camp Tuesday, Matt Clement has 10 days to accept the move.

The 34-year-old right-hander and Butler native is mulling it over.

"I don't think he is sure just yet,"said Barry Axelrod, Clement's agent. "This is a tough thing to have happen to anybody.

"Toronto was a good opportunity for Matt, which is why he signed there. That opportunity is still there."

Clement hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2006. But if he is to pitch in the big leagues with the Blue Jays, he will have to wait a while longer.

Toronto general manager J.J. Ricciardi was quoted on the team's website Tuesday as saying, "I think (Clement) owes it to himself to go down for a couple more months and give himself a real legit shot.

"I think he's made major strides. But right now we don't think he can make our big league club."

Clement was vying for one of the final two spots in the starting rotation, which is now a battle between young hurlers Scott Richmond, Brad Mills and Ricky Romero.

Before allowing eight earned runs in 4Z\c innings against Minnesota Sunday, Clement had pitched 14 innings. Against Team USAand in two Grapefruit League games, he had allowed three runs on three hits, striking out four and walking five.

He walked seven in his outing Sunday.

"The Blue Jays believe Matt needs more time to build arm strength and endurance,"Axelrod said.

"This is a tough call. Matt has a chance to extend his career in the minor leagues with Toronto. But he's done well enough that some (major league) teams out there in dire need of pitching may say, 'Hey, we want that guy.'"

Clement's velocity has been between 84 and 88 mph, but the pitcher said on the team website that he's more concerned with how the hitters react to his pitches.

"I know my movement,"Clement said. "I can tell that my ball is moving the right way by the swings I get."

While Clement is under contract with Toronto through May, he likely would be released if he refused to report to Triple-A.

Axelrod said Clement might opt to remain with the Toronto organization despite being sent to its minor league camp.

"He feels comfortable there," Axelrod said. "Pitching coach Brad Arnsperg was Matt's pitching coach with Florida and has had good results with him.

"The Blue Jays organization has always coveted Matt. They've taken numerous shots at him and they finally got him. The trainer there worked with Matt when they were with the San Diego Padres, so they know each other well, too."

All that's left now is to make a decision.

"I'm sure Matt's dealing with some disappointment right now,"Axelrod said. "But he's OKwith his confidence."

Clement is 87-86 in the major leagues with a career earned run average of 4.50. He has started 236 big league games.