Daulton Varsho begins Buffalo rehab assignment

Varsho batted third and played centre in Tuesday's game against the Rochester Red Wings. He went 0-4 with two strikeouts as the Bisons lost 8-4 in 11 innings.

It's not the results at the plate that the Blue Jays are concerned with. The fact that Varsho is lineup at all is they key. The fact that he is playing centre is even better. Varsho played a handful of games for the Blue Jays in the spring, but was limited to DH duties as his throwing arm wasn't at full power.

Clearly, the arm is where it needs to be.

While a return hasn't been announced and while the Blue Jays don't know how Varsho's arm - along with the rest of his body - will react to multiple games in the field in a row, he does appear to be very, very close.

The Blue Jays have an off-day on Thursday and then start a three game series against the New York Yankees on Friday. It is possible that Varsho could be activated in time for first pitch on Friday.

Even if gets into major league action this week, the Jays will likely ease him back in to a full-time, in order not to put too much pressure on his surgically repaired rotator cuff.

The Blue Jays will also be faced with a tough decision of who to send down, with Addison Barger and his powerful right arm the most likely candidate.