Sunday Bantering: Steve Pearce expected to return by next weekend

Steve Pearce, who has yet to collect a hit at the double-A level in his rehab assignment with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, could return as early as next week against the Tampa Bay Rays, Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star reports. “Definitely by next weekend, I would hope,” John Gibbons said.

On the other hand, things aren’t so bright for Devon Travis, who was recently placed on the disabled list with a bone bruise on his right knee. Shi Davidi writes that Travis won’t receive a complete assessment by Tuesday, but the Blue Jays aren’t expecting him back with the club anytime soon. “I wouldn’t expect it would be quick,” Gibbons said.

Shi Davidi recently put an article up on Sportsnet about the top Canadian prospects likely to be selected early in tomorrow’s draft. Landon Leach from Pickering, Adam Hall from London and Zach Pop from Brampton are expected to be the top one, two and three Canadian picks, respectively. Leach, a pitcher, throws in the mid-90s and played for Canada’s junior national team this spring.

Craig Hyatt on Twitter put together a video comparing Josh Donaldson’s swing to that of Bryce Harper, Barry Bonds and David Ortiz. It’s pretty interesting. Since Bluebird Banter’s editor isn’t letting me embed anything, you can find the video here.

The Blue Jays aren’t the only Canadian team within their organization — besides the Vancouver Canadians, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will be hosting the annual New Hampshire poutine fest at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. “This event is hosted by the the Franco-American Centre and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats,” their website says. “Following NH PoutineFest, all attendees are invited to join us for Franco-American Heritage Night at the ballpark as our guests, the Fisher Cats, will be taking on the Binghamton Rumble Ponies followed by an Atlas Fireworks show!”

I live about 30 miles from Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, but I’ll be in Canada at the time. Just my luck.

The Blue Jays beat the Mariners 4-2 yesterday, tying the series at one a piece behind a great start from Marcus Stroman. Stroman, in seven innings, didn’t walk a batter while striking out six and allowing just one earned runs. All four of Toronto’s runs came on home runs — a two-run shot from Kendrys Morales and solo bombs from Justin Smoak (18) and Ezequiel Carrera.

Rogers Centre West will see it’s final game of the season this afternoon, as the Blue Jays wrap up their series at Safeco Field at 4:10 ET. J.A. Happ will be on the mound for Toronto as they look for a series win, while Seattle will start Canadian James Paxton, who has won seven straight decisions. You can watch the game on Sportsnet or TVA Sports and listen to it on Sportsnet 590.

Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkColley.