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When the Blue Jays came North with an eight man bullpen, it was all a matter of time before they went back to a seven man bullpen and called up Ryan Goins, who was battling with Liam Hendriks for the final spot out of camp.
The only mild surprise was that it was Todd Redmond designated for assignment which takes him off the 40-man roster and frees up a spot on that roster as well as on the active roster for Goins. I say it was a mild surprise because Hendriks has pitched well and off of the bubble as the last guy out of the bullpen. The fact that Redmond and Marco Estrada had rarely pitched also meant the time was right for this move.
But, there could be some bad news about the timing as well.
Jose Reyes isn't taking pre-game groundballs or BP (on the field at least). He is in the starting lineup. #BlueJays #MLB #Rays
— Scott MacArthur (@TSNScottyMac) April 15, 2015
As mentioned in the comments, that tweet is actually from last night. However the Blue Jays have announced the lineup for tonight and Reyes is in it, leading off and playing shortstop.
Tonight's lineup vs TB (7:07pm start), presented by @MajesticOnField pic.twitter.com/zE1AFhNg17
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 16, 2015
Jose Reyes, as mentioned, is still in the starting lineup for tonight's game but it's no secret that his oblique has been bothering him. Goins being recalled allows the Blue Jays to rest Reyes without using their super-sub Steve Tolleson off the bench.
All in all, we knew this news was coming since Opening Day, but it is news nonetheless and maybe we will see Reyes take a break from a start now that the four man bench is back.
Editor's Note: Todd Redmond has the right to give up his contract and elect free agency rather than report to triple-A Buffalo should he pass through outright waivers. For more information consult our guide to Blue Jays Options and Outrights.