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The Blue Jays made a series of cuts yesterday afternoon, beginning the slimming of what will eventually result in 25 men who begin the season with the major league club. The first cuts, made just after noon on Monday, optioned pitchers Ryan Borucki and Chris Smith, confirming that the pair wouldn’t crack the Opening Day roster - a fact that was, essentially, inevitable.
In other news, Jarrett Grube was relocated to the minor league spring training camp, along with Dwight Smith Jr. and Dan Jansen, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.
More cuts! Dwight Smith Jr. and Dan Jansen have been reassigned to minor league camp.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 13, 2017
Both Devon Travis and Josh Donaldson are progressing in their injury rehabilitation, according to Arden Zwelling. Devon Travis, currently sidelined with a bone bruise, will play in a minor league game tomorrow, which, as Zwelling notes, is a “big step for him.” He was previously not expected be ready for Opening Day, but, if he progresses well, perhaps we could see him start the season on the roster. Since he won’t be running the bases, this progression should be taken with a grain of salt, but is good news no matter what.
Josh Donaldson will also play in a minor league game tomorrow (not Thursday, as previously reported). He’ll serve the role of designated hitter and won’t run the bases, like Travis, meaning that he’ll have no fielding responsibilities as of now.
Yesterday, the Blue Jays beat division rival Boston Red Sox by a score of 4-3. J.A. Happ, coming off his poor appearance against Team Canada, pitched four innings of one run ball, allowing just three hits and striking out one. Kendrys Morales hit his second home run of the spring, while Darwin Barney doubled home a run in the fourth. You can read our full breakdown of the game here.
Today, the Blue Jays will play the Boston Red Sox once again, this time at JetBlue Park. Joe Biagini will start the game for Toronto, set to begin at 1:05 PM ET. On the other side of the diamond, Drew Pomeranz will get the nod for Boston.
Follow Mark Colley on Instagram and Twitter at @360BlueJayNews and @MarkColley.