Toronto Blue Jays Make Changes to Roster and Minor Leagues

The Toronto Blue Jays have made some big changes to their roster and minor league affiliates. From an injury in the bullpen to the finalization of the 2023 Opening Day roster, the Blue Jays have been busy.

Chad Green’s Injury Puts Jay Jackson on Blue Jays’ Roster

Chad Green, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been placed on the 60-day injured list after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He is expected to rejoin the big league club around July or later. To replace him, Jay Jackson has been selected to the 40-man roster. Jackson will be optioned to Triple-A but will remain on the roster after a strong showing in Spring Training. Despite interest from multiple clubs, Jackson decided to resign with the Blue Jays. His split contract will pay him $1.4M if he is promoted to the big leagues.

Green, once he returns, will be an important piece to the Blue Jays bullpen. However, for now, it seems that Jackson will have a chance to prove himself.

Toronto Blue Jays Finalize 2023 Opening Day Roster

The Toronto Blue Jays have set their 2023 Opening Day roster after their final Spring Training game. Vinny Capra, Nathan Lukes, and Otto Lopez were competing for the final bench spot, with Lukes emerging victorious. Mitch White’s trip to the injured list opened up a spot in the bullpen for Zach Pop, who beat out Nate Pearson, Zach Thompson, and Trent Thornton for the final spot.

The full roster includes Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk as the catching duo while Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Matt Chapman are poised as the faces of the franchise. Brandon Belt serves as their primary designated hitter.

Manager Charlie Montoyo has set a lineup configuration where Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier, and George Springer are the everyday outfield trio with Lukes as the fourth outfielder. Whit Merrifield, Cavan Biggio, and Santiago Espinal are expected to get time in the grass as utility players.

The starting rotation features Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and Yusei Kikuchi. In contrast, the bullpen is stacked with Jordan Romano, Drew Swanson, Yimi Garcia, Anthony Bass, Adam Cimber, Zach Pop, Garrett Richards and Tim Mayza – the lone left-handed pitcher. The Blue Jays seem poised to compete at a high level this season!

Toronto Blue Jays Release Four Minor League Players

The Toronto Blue Jays have released four players from their minor league affiliates. These young players were not showing enough promise.

Of the four players released, Civit is a native of Barcelona, Spain who has made appearances in three straight seasons for the Jays without showing enough promise in the FCL. Munoz is just 18 years old and struggled with control and ERA in the Dominican Summer League. Veracierto is 21 years old and struggled with strikeouts and a complete lack of power for the lowest level of the minor leagues for the Jays.

Ozoria is a 20-year-old outfielder who hit decently well in his first professional appearances but was struggling with his outfield defense. Despite their releases from the Blue Jays’ organization these players can potentially find a home elsewhere in short order as this is a common occurrence in professional baseball.

In conclusion, despite some big changes to their roster and minor league affiliates, Blue Jays seem dominant for the upcoming season. Their 2023 Opening Day Roster seems powerful enough to compete at high levels if they continue playing this way.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons