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The Blue Jays, in addition to the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and Atlanta Braves, had multiple executives and scouts present at Sonny Gray’s start against the Houston Astros yesterday afternoon, Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reports. One Boston Red Sox scout was also in attendance.
Gray currently has two more years of team control, making himself an attractive option to both contenders and non-contenders.
In addition to Gray, Jed Lowrie, who, as Slusser writes, “is all but certain to be dealt before the July 31 deadline,” was also being scouted. The Blue Jays likely had interest in Lowrie, given their current starting combination of Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney at second base.
Ezequiel Carrera began his rehab assignment with the Buffalo Bisons last night, collecting one hit and two walks in his two plate appearances as Buffalo’s lead-off hitter. He also stole one base. Carrera has been on the disabled list since June 14th with a foot fracture.
With Justin Smoak now just over 71,000 votes behind Eric Hosmer as the starting first baseman for the All-Star game, it’s time to #SmoakTheVote (whatever that means). You can place up to five votes a day (a max of 35 overall) per email address. Of course, you could theoretically use multiple emails to vote. Not that I’ve done that myself.
Vote for Smoak and the Blue Jays here. Voting ends on June 29th.
After an off day yesterday, the Blue Jays will face the Baltimore Orioles for the first of a three-game series today at 7:07 ET. Joe Biagini, who is likely making one of his last starts in the rotation with Aaron Sanchez’s imminent return, will head to the mound for Toronto while Kevin Gausman, with a 6.47 ERA, starts for Baltimore.
You can watch the game on Sportsnet or listen to it on Sportsnet 590.
Links:
- Blue Jays’ Aaron Sanchez opens up about blister problems that tormented him throughout 2016, too - John Lott, The Athletic (no paywall).
- Jerry Howarth says he’s feeling pretty good after health challenges - The Canadian Press.
- 6 distractions that can derail a MLB prospect’s entire career - Bennett Brauer, Baseball Prospectus.
- Tellez playing through mother’s cancer battle - Alexis Brudnicki, Canadian Baseball Network.
Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkColley.