Monday Bantering: Blue Jays Release Melvin Upton Jr.

The Blue Jays have released Melvin Upton Jr. to clear room for Ryan Goins on the major league roster, per multiple team sources. I explained yesterday why choosing Goins over Upton was a mistake given the knowledge of the team that we have, but I guess Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro don’t read Bluebird Banter. Shucks.

In releasing Upton, the Blue Jays officially set their Opening Day roster just minutes prior to the noon deadline on Sunday. In the infield, Devon Travis will start the season with the team, while the only other notable surprise is that Goins is on the bench. The outfield is now lacking Upton, as previously explained. The starting rotation matches what was expected, but the bullpen is the most surprising aspect of the roster.

Roberto Osuna will start the season on the 10-day disabled list with a cervical spasm, and Dominic Leone has made the team. Ryan Tepera and Aaron Loup, as expected, earned the final two spots in the bullpen, with Tepera edging out Mike Bolsinger, who was placed on waivers yesterday.

Per Jon Morosi, either Joe Biaigini or Jason Grilli will fill the void left by Osuna, which should not come as a surprise to anyone. Biagini and Grilli are the next best relievers in the bullpen after Osuna, so reasonably, they would be the next in line if anything happened to the closer.

Today. The Blue Jays will open the season against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards today at 3:05 ET. Finally. Marco Estrada gets the start for the Blue Jays and Kevin Gausman is the Opening Day starter for the Orioles. Estrada, in his last appearance of spring training, went four innings and allowed four runs against the Phillies, but also struck out five and walked two. You can watch the game on Sportsnet and listen to it on Sportsnet 590.

Let’s see if the Orioles actually use Zach Britton this time.

Former Blue Jay prospect Miguel Castro, traded to the Colorado Rockies in the Troy Tulowitzki trade, has been designated for assignment. He, along with Roberto Osuna, were young and surprising pitchers who started the season with the Blue Jays in 2015. Osuna, of course, succeed in his assigned role, but things weren’t so great for Castro.

He had a 4.38 ERA in 12.1 innings and an even worse WHIP of 1.703, and, after a short sting in triple-A Buffalo, was traded to Colorado. Castro experienced shoulder and back injuries last season, which lowered his stock. You can read more on the Rockies decision to designate Castro on Purple Row.

Follow Mark Colley on Instagram and Twitter at @360BlueJayNews and @MarkColley.