Decision on Varsho, Saturday roster moves

While Varsho had gotten into some Spring Training games as DH and had been hitting well, evidently his throwing arm wasn't where him or the Blue Jays wanted it to be.

Varsho will travel to Toronto with the team to receive his Gold Glove on opening day and then will immediately head back to Florida to continue his rehab with new outfield coach Kevin Kiermaier.

His absence opens up an opportunity for Myles Straw to break camp with the Blue Jays. While Nathan Lukes, Steward Berroa and top prospect Alan Roden are still with the team, Straw is easily the best defender among them.

Varsho isn't the only player starting the year on the IL. It was also officially announced today that pitchers Ryan Burr, Zach Pop, and Erik Swanson will also begin the year on the injured list. None of these are particularly surprising, and only Swanson had a guaranteed role with the club.

Swanson's injury, combined with Ryan Yarbrough opting out of his contract, opens up two spots in the Blue Jays bullpen. It is still possible however, that the Blue Jays re-sign Yarbrough to a major league deal.

It was also announced that relievers Brendon Little and Nick Sandlin, along with utility player Davis Schneider and catcher Tyler Heineman have made the team and will travel north with them opening day.

Heineman was locked in a tight battle with Christian Bethancourt for the Blue Jays backup catcher role. Ultimately, the Blue Jays went with familiarity and strong defence in selecting Heineman.

The Blue Jays still have a few days to finalize their roster.