Blue Jays name final two bullpen spots as 26-man roster set
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The Blue Jays 26 man roster is now set. After earlier reporting indicated that Myles Straw Alan Roden, and Nathan Lukes had all made the team, the Blue Jays have now decided on who will get the final two spots in the bullpen.
During an in-game interview in the third inning of the Blue Jays-Pirates Spring Training game, manager John Schneider revealed that left-hander Richard Lovelady and right-hander JJacob Barnes have made the team.
The most surprising part was who wasn't named to the team: Ryan Yarbrough. On Saturday, Yarbrough exercised his opt-out and became a free agent. This is also unfortunate news for Tommy Nance who, being out of options, will be exposed to waivers.
As a left-hander, Lovelady seemed to have an edge in recent days. This was confirmed when the Blue Jays added him to the 40-man roster earlier in the week.
Barnes doesn't currently occupy a spot on the 40-man, but once Nance is DFA'd and exposed, Barnes will easily fill that void.
The addition of Barnes is somewhat surprising given his 6.75 ERA this spring. Evidently, the Blue Jays are looking beyond the surface results of Spring Training and see analytical and matchup value when it comes to Barnes, who also pitched for the team in 2021.
With these latest transactions, the Blue Jays opening day roster is now set, barring a last-minute trade or freak injury.
Like all things though, opening day rosters can change quickly. Erik Swanson will eventually return and other pitchers will get injured. The 26 guys who will open the season on Thursday won't be the same as the 26 guys on the roster a month from now.
The Blue Jays regular season begins at home against the Orioles on Thursday,
| POLL | ||
MARS 23 | 156 ANSWERS Blue Jays name final two bullpen spots as 26-man roster set Do you agree with Richard Lovelady and Jacob Barnes getting the final two spots> | ||
| Yes | 50 | 32.1 % |
| No | 106 | 67.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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