GDB -26.0: Final battles for roster spots continue as Toronto Blue Jays take on Red Sox

Crunch time is coming.

We’ve seen the first shoe drop with the trade of infielder Santiago Espinal to the Cincinnati Reds, opening up a spot on the big roster. It’s presumably going to go to Ernie Clement, who has had an electric Spring Training in which he’s hit three home runs, slashed .375/.390/.700, posting a 184 wRC+.

Oh, and he’s only struck out once across 41 plate appearances, with the second-lowest K% among qualified hitters this spring. Yeah, not bad.

His ability to lineup all over the field has played a key, coupled with his work at the plate, undoubtedly led to Espinal’s departure. As the Blue Jays take on the Red Sox this afternoon, Clement will hit out of the three-hole.

Others still looking to stay in the mix will take the field Friday, too. Daniel Vogelbach will bat clean up, while Isiah-Kiner Falefa will hit fifth. Down the order, names like Nathan Lukes, Brian Severn, Addison Barger and Will Robertson will all hit as they look to position themselves within the organization.

First pitch: 1:05 p.m. EST. TV: Sportsnet.

Moneyline: TOR -182; BOS +147.
Spread: TOR -1.5 +118; BOS +1.5 -143.
Over/Under: o6.5 -128; u6.5 +105.

TORONTO — RHP Mitch White

RED SOX — RHP Justin Hagenman

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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.