ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Blue Jays placed No. 1 reliever Jordan Romano on the 15-day injured list on Thursday, one of four Torontonians who will miss the start of the 2024 season.
The team revealed its 26-man roster before its first game against the Tampa Bay Rays, confirming that right-handers Alek Manoah (shoulder) and Erik Swanson (forearm) will also miss at least 15 days of activities.
Receiver Danny Jansen was placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken wrist.
All these registrations were made retroactively to March 25.
Designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach and backup catcher Brian Serven will begin the season in the Majors. Right-hander Yosver Zulueta has for his part been designated for reassignment.
Right-hander Jose Berrios will be the starting pitcher for this first game. He will face Zach Eflin on the mound at Tropicana Field.
The Blue Jays have 13 pitchers, two catchers, eight infielders and three outfielders on their roster.
Kevin Kiermaier, George Springer and Daulton Varsho return as outfielders. Davis Schneider and Cavan Biggio are listed as infielders, but both baseballers can also play in the outfield.
With Romano and Swanson out, right-handers Wes Parsons, Mitch White, Trevor Richards and Nate Pearson will provide depth in the bullpen, along with Chad Green, Genesis Cabrera, Tim Mayza and Yimi Garcia.
Manoah was expected to be the fifth starter when camp opened, but his health issues created an opening for Bowden Francis. The right-hander joins a rotation completed by Kevin Gausman, Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi.
Among the newcomers are Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Vogelbach and Justin Turner, all acquired on the free agent market. Serven was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs.
Francis, Pearson and Schneider break through the lineup for the first day of the season for the first time in their careers.
The Jays went 89-73 last season before being swept in two games in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Twins.
The Jays begin their season with 10 road games, including four in St. Petersburg. They will kick off their local season on April 8, against the Seattle Mariners.
2024-03-28 21:49:45
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