Blue Jays announce flurry of roster moves

Pitchers Mason Fluharty, Kevin Gowdy, and Hayden Juenger, as well as catcher Matt Whatley were re-assigned to minor league camp, while Jake Bloss Jonatan Clase, Orelvis Martinez, Dillon Tate and Josh Walker were optioned to Triple-A.

The latter names were on the 40-man roster, while the former were non-roster invitees, hence the difference in their transactional status.

Among the NRI group, Fluharty and Gowdy both impressed this spring and could find themselves with a 40-man roster spots when a couple open up at the end of Spring Training.

Fluharty in particular raised his value this spring after compiling a 1.29 ERA with eleven strikeouts in seven innings across eight games.

Among the group that was optioned the two names that stick out are Orelvis Martinez and Dillion Tate. While Martinez hit up a storm in the Grapefruit League, his defence still needs work and there isn't really a position available for him.

Tate on the other hand, was signed to a major league contract last week. He didn't get into a game after re-signing and his hybrid contract enables the Blue Jays to stash him in Triple-A without violating option rules. It should be be temporary though and will allow Tate to get some work in and play catch up; he should be in the bigs sooner rather than later.

Bloss was another notable name, having received first-team honours for the All-Spring breakout team. Although he had an up-and-down spring, he is an ever important starting depth piece, and could find himself the ace in Buffalo. Blue Jays fans should also expect to see him at some point this season.

With the moves, there are now 32 players left at camp, including Alan Roden. The regular season starts March 27th.