Blue Jays make flurry of roster moves

To make room for Varsho and Lawrence on the roster, infielder Will Wagnerand pitcher Paxton Schultz were optioned to Triple-A.

It's been a tough start to the year for Wagner, who has struggled to follow up on a strong 2024 debut. Through his 20 games this season, he is hitting just .186 with two doubles and two RBIs while seeing time and first, third, and DH. The Jays still have every confidence in Wagner, who will now have time to sort his swing out at Triple-A.

With Schultz, it is less about results and more about timing and usage. The rookie threw 57 pitches in relief of Kevin Gausman on Sunday and likely would not have been available for a few days. With Lawrence having the ability to give the Blue Jays - and be a potential fifth starter when needed - it made the most sense for Schultz to return to Buffalo. Given has debut went though, he has earned another look.

Varsho's return does crowd the outfield picture. With him now in centre field, George Springer returns to RF. With the Blue Jays also wanting Anthony Santander to see more time in the outfield, it doesn't necessarily leave a lot of playing time for Alan Roden or Nathan Lukes.

Addison Barger is also in the picture but with Wagner now in Buffalo, that will open up playing time at third base alongside Ernie Clement.

It's not necessarily a roster structure that will last for long. The Blue Jays currently have seven outfielders, and Lawrence feels like a short-term solution.

However, as the old baseball adage goes, these things have a way of sorting themselves out.