Opening Day is just a week away, which means there’ll be some roster cuts.
The Blue Jays did just that on Thursday after the 4-1 victory over the Rays. They sent down six pitchers – Mason Fluharty, Kevin Gowdy, Hayden Juenger, Jake Bloss, Dillon Tate, and Josh Walker while sending down three position players – Orelvis Martínez, Jonatan Clase, and Matt Whatley.
Two players immediately jump out, Fluharty and Martínez. Starting with the pitcher, Fluharty pitched seven innings this Spring Training, posting a great 1.29 ERA while striking out 11 batters and walking just one for a 40.7 K% and a 3.7 BB% respectively. The left-handed reliever may not have made the bullpen out of Spring Training, it would’ve been a tough ask considering he’s not on the 40-man roster, but he’ll make the Jays at some point this season if he pitches well in Buffalo.
Martínez also had a good showing this Spring Training, slashing .333/.407/.500 with one home run in 27 plate appearances for a 140 wRC+. With third base open for the taking, it seemed as if maybe he could’ve earned a shot at the hot corner to begin the season. However, he needs to improve his defence while with the Bisons.
The power-hitting Martínez isn’t the only Blue Jay on the 40-man roster who was optioned. Centre fielder Clase was the other 40-man position player who was optioned and he slashed .071/.188/.143 with no home runs in 16 plate appearances for a -9 wRC+. The Blue Jays acquired him before the trade deadline, moving Yimi García to the Seattle Mariners for Clase and prospect Jacob Sharp.
Another player the Blue Jays acquired before the trade deadline was Jake Bloss. It was a hit or miss camp for the 23-year-old as he finished with a 9 ERA and a 9.37 FIP in eight innings pitched. However, Bloss pitched three scoreless innings in his last outing and pitched well in the Spring Breakout. Dillon Tate didn’t pitch for the Blue Jays in Spring Training.
Other than Fluharty,  there were three non-roster invites were cut – Gowdy, Juenger, and Whatley. Gowdy finished with a 5.69 ERA and a 7.06 FIP in 6.1 innings pitched while Juenger finished with an 8.31 ERA and a 9.97 FIP in 4.1 innings pitched. Whatley, a catcher only had 13 plate appearances but hit a home run and slashed .273/.385/.545 with a 141 wRC+.
Expect more roster cuts in the coming days. It’s worth noting that these roster cuts will be tough ones.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.