Two more roster spots for the Toronto Blue Jays have been decided.
Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling reported Saturday morning that both Davis Schneider and Tyler Heineman have made the Opening Day roster.
Heineman will fill in as the backup catcher for the Blue Jays as the starting catching role solely belongs to Alejandro Kirk for the first time in his career. This is Heineman’s fourth season with the Blue Jays (in three different stints) and is slashing .212/.298/.273 with one home run in 299 big league plate appearances.
The 33-year-old wasn’t that impressive in Spring Training, slashing just .167/.273/.167 with no home runs in 22 plate appearances for a 26 wRC+. However, no catcher really made an impact for the Blue Jays except for Matt Whatley, who slashed .273/.385/.545 with a home run in 13 plate appearances. It’s Heineman’s spot to lose, as Ali Sánchez, Whatley, and Phil Clarke will all try to get a call-up if they can play well for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
On the other hand, the battle for a bench spot is going to get a whole lot more competitive. Davis Schneider had a strong Spring Training, slashing .345/.500/.655 with two home runs in 38 plate appearances. His 199 wRC+ ranks fourth for Blue Jays with 10 or more plate appearances this Spring Training.
It’s assumed that Schneider will occupy a bench spot as he can play second base and left field with some pop in the bat. We’re just days away from the start of the regular season and there are only a handful of spots remaining on the 26-man roster.
One of those spots is now open as Daulton Varsho will start the season on the Injured List. Contenders for that spot are Alan Roden, Myles Straw, Steward Berroa, Addison Barger, and Nathan Lukes.
Another spot that remains open is third base. Ernie Clement saw the most action there last season but Will Wagner and Barger are both contending for that spot as well. Moreover, an additional bench spot remains open, with all those players being in the mix to get the nod.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Blue Jays construct their roster before Thursday’s Opening Day.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.