Things worth mentioning (with notes from yesterday’s game against the Red Sox)…

• The good news from J.A. Happ’s start yesterday is that he struck out the side in the first inning; the bad news is that also he gave up a home run and triple in the inning and got hit hard the rest of the way. He gave up seven hits and four earned runs in 4.2 innings of work. The positive here is that in his limited spring action, he’s pitched well. He also has 10 strikeouts in 10.2 spring innings. It’s not like he has to battle for a job, anyway.
• Kevin Pillar continued his terrific spring, going two for three with a double yesterday. He only has two walks in 25 at bats, but he is hitting .522. I’ve reduced myself to expecting a shitty walk rate, but more line drives or better balls put in play. Is this finally the year he posts a wRC+ over 100? I really want to get semi-excited about how well he’s been hitting this spring, but once bitten, twice shy.
• Justin Smoak finally got his first extra base hit with a first inning double and then added another one in the third yesterday. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m expecting more big things from the big first baseman this year.
• Aaron Sanchez made the start against the Braves today and allowed 2 earned runs over 4.1 innings. There weren’t as many ground balls as you’d expect, but it looks like he was just testing his off-speed stuff. He was also hitting 95-96 on the gun which, when you factor in the nasty movement that Sanchez possesses, is definitely drool worthy.

• The Blue Jays and Braves combined to score 19 runs on 28 hits today. The only pitcher to face at least three batters and not allow a hit? Chris Rowley, of course.
• Here’s your weekly Teoscar Hernandez update: to nobody’s surprise the outfielder hit a home run, his fourth this spring. He collected two hits with a walk and – gasp! – no strikeouts. It just seems like Hernandez could be so good if he didn’t strike out an obscene amount of times.
• Tim Mayza struck out the side in his inning, bringing his spring totals to nine Ks in seven innings, allowing only two runs. Regardless of the decision made by the Blue Jays in the coming days, I have a feeling we’ll be hearing from the lefty again this season.
• The backup catcher battle ended today as the Blue Jays sent Danny Jansen down. Luke Maile had himself a great afternoon, going two for three with a homer, prompting a candidate for the best tweet of the spring.