Thursday Bantering: Blue Jays Release Gavin Floyd

The Blue Jays have released pitcher Gavin Floyd, per Baseball America editor Matt Eddy. Floyd, who originally signed with the Blue Jays during the 2015-2016 offseason, was brought back on a minor league deal this offseason. At the start of 2016, Floyd made the team out of spring training, and collected a 4.06 ERA and 3.95 FIP in 28 games out of the bullpen. On June 25th, Floyd was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury, which ended his season.

Along with Floyd, the Blue Jays also released Luis Sanchez, Brad Allen, Jackson Lowery and D.J. McKnight.

The Buffalo Bisons have postponed the first two games of their season due to inclement weather. Instead, Toronto’s triple-A affiliate will start the season on Saturday, then play a single-admission doubleheader on Sunday, April 9th at Coca-Cola Field. It’s unclear as to when they will make up the second postponed game.

Roberto Osuna, absent on the 25-man Opening Day roster due to cervical spasms, is progressing well, per pitching coach Pete Walker. Osuna made 35-40 throws on flat ground to keep his arm strength up, and is likely to be ready for the home opener on Tuesday. Prior to that, he may see some time in minor league games, according to Shi Davidi.

The Blue Jays took the second loss of the season against the Orioles yesterday, falling by a final score of 3-1. Both in the eighth and ninth, Toronto had a runner within 90 feet of scoring a run, but nothing came to fruition after the third. Just in case you missed it, Justin Smoak actually had a strong night at the plate - in three at bats, he collected a single, double and just one strikeout. He also scored Toronto’s only run.

Kevin Pillar made a jumping catch in the bottom of the third to rob Manny Machado of a home run, and it was spectacular, but the aftermath of the catch should make all Blue Jay fans cringe. That man is going to get injured some day. The best part of the play was Steve Pearce’s unbelieving non-fielding body staring in awe of Pillar and mindlessly asking, “Are you OK? Are you OK?”

Today, the Blue Jays head to Florida as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Starting at 7:10 ET, Marcus Stroman will start for Toronto while the Rays counter with the left-handed Blake Snell. The game will be on Sportsnet and Sportsnet 590.

Other notes:

• Melvin Upton Jr. has cleared waivers and is now a free agent. The Blue Jays still have minor interest in bringing the outfielder back, per Gideon Turk of Baseball Prospectus, but the odds are low, as it would be on a minor league deal without much chance of significant major league playing time.
• Ontario native John Axford has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a shoulder strain, reports Jane Lee of MLB.com. Currently an Athletic, Axford is 34 years old and can return to game action six days from today.