jerb

Mike Wilner @Wilnerness Charlie Montoyo raved about how well Robbie Ray and Alejandro Kirk have been working together this spring, suggested that he could very well keep them together. That's as clear an indication #Bluejays have given that Kirk is going to make the team.

Rodney Hiemstra @therodbot #BlueJays starters now have an MLB-best 1.33 ERA (6 ER/40.2 IP) through 16 games this spring. Next closest is Miami at 2.49.

Ben Wagner @benwag247 After a pair of singles to open the inning, Ray gets a strikeout, a Tigers bases boo-boo and strikeout. Stops the early threat. Still, wasn’t the sharpest frame from Ray this spring. Ben Wagner @benwag247 Kirk with a ROCKET over the wall in right - planted deep in the patio. Big time laser the opposite way. #BlueJays 1-0

Ben Wagner @benwag247 Guerrero with a grounder deep in the hole at short, legs out an infield single. He sniffed it out and booked it up the line.

Arden Zwelling @ArdenZwelling Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker says club will be “a little bit more cautious” with Nate Pearson’s right groin strain after this week’s setback during a bullpen. Club’s still evaluating Pearson and gathering information before determining when he might start throwing again. Arden Zwelling @ArdenZwelling Expecting a more detailed update on Thomas Hatch from Blue Jays later today — but for now Walker says he was “encouraged seeing him and the way he was moving his arm” after Hatch came out of Wednesday’s start. “We’re hopeful it’s nothing more than a minor setback,” Walker said. Scott Mitchell @ScottyMitchTSN Pete Walker says Alek Manoah is a bit more advanced than he thought coming into spring: “Pleasantly surprised with where he’s at in his development already.” “A timeframe, I wouldn't want to put anything on it right now, but he certainly looks like he can help.” #BlueJays Scott Mitchell @ScottyMitchTSN Per #BlueJays pitching coach Pete Walker, Julian Merryweather has thrown a couple of sides and looked “awesome” coming off back tightness. He’s scheduled to throw 2 innings in a sim game on Sunday. Considering he’s 1-2 inning stints only now, still could be ready for OD roster. Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith Kirby Yates is on schedule to begin the season healthy as #BlueJays' closer per pitching coach Pete Walker. Yates slated to pitch tomorrow, again early next week. "I would say it's his job to lose ... he's one of the best relievers in baseball." Arash Madani @ArashMadani Blue Jays pitching coach on Jordan Romano: "He's a closer in the making." There have been rave reviews for the big Canadian reliever from all corners of the organization this spring. Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith Earlier this week, Ross Atkins had plenty of praise for T.J. Zeuch, the former #BlueJays 1st rounder whose velo was down this time last year. In a recent outing, Zeuch was up to 95.9 mph w/ "power sink" Today, Pete Walker said Zeuch "certainly looks like a major-league starter" Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith #BlueJays haven't decided whether they'll open the season with 8 or 9 relievers. Jays start with 1 game @ NYY then a day off. One option (as I see it): open with 8 & a bigger bench (3C? Espinal? Palacios?) Then after the off day, it's 16 in a row. Add a pitcher. 9-man 'pen.

Sportsnet 590 The FAN @FAN590 Blue Jays GM, Ross Atkins will join Writers Bloc with @SNJeffBlair & @richarddeitsch tomorrow at 4PM

Shi Davidi @ShiDavidi Via #BlueJays, Thomas Hatch left the game with right elbow/forearm discomfort. Team says it will have more info once "additional imaging" is done.

Jeff Passan @JeffPassan Source confirms @MikeSilvermanBB report: LeBron James is now a partner in Fenway Sports Group, making him a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox.

Philadelphia Phillies @Phillies We had some technical difficulties, but you should be able to find the stream at this link: https://atmlb.com/2OZ1o9g

Philadelphia Phillies @Phillies We may not be on TV today, but we've still got a way for you to catch the action — Introducing the BayCare Ballpark Cam! Enjoy today's game against Toronto at 1:05 PM: https://atmlb.com/3cEpJcx

Arden Zwelling @ArdenZwelling Per club, Steven Matz threw 60 pitches in a sim game at Blue Jays complex today. Matz faced 15 hitters, struck out seven; gave up a hit, didn't walk anyone. "He was outstanding," said Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo. "He was really, really, really good."

Keegan Matheson @KeeganMatheson Alek Manoah's 5 strikeouts through two innings against the Yankees: Voit: Swinging (slider) Bruce: Swinging (slider) Frazier: Swinging (fastball) Dietrich: Swinging (changeup) Higashioka: Swinging (slider) Yeesh. #BlueJays

Ben Wagner @benwag247 On top of his work today, we learned in yesterday’s intrasquad game, Vlad hit a pair of homers. So, that mid-March timing is coming along nicely. #bluejays

Keegan Matheson @KeeganMatheson Chavez Young gets credit with the infield single and RBI. It would have been a clean single (maybe 2 RBI), but bounced off the umpire and stayed on the infield. Throw was bobbled at first, then Young tagged out as he considered rounding. It was a whole thing. Anyways.

Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith George Springer scratched from #BlueJays' lineup due to left abdominal tightness per team. He completed a full workout today per club and is being removed as a precaution Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith More injury updates via #BlueJays: • Nate Pearson to throw long toss today & Thurs (120 feet). Could throw side as soon as the weekend • Julian Merryweather won't pitch in games this week due to lower back tightness. Considered day to day • Bryan Baker seeing doctor today Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith It's March 9 ... if Springer is feeling tightness, clearly better to rest. As for the pitchers, hard to gauge severity from afar, but the same logic applies. Best case: full health & no issues. Next best: be cautious now, knowing that a long season awaits.

Ben Nicholson-Smith @bnicholsonsmith As of now, Ross Stripling would be in the #BlueJays' rotation, Mark Shapiro told @ScottyMacThinks & @mikezigomanis on @FAN590. While it's still possible Nate Pearson builds back up from his groin strain by opening day, that's "hard to see" given current timeframes per Shapiro.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman Jays are among teams showing interest in Jake Odorizzi now. Fair amount of action there for by far the best starting pitcher still on the market. He’s been willing to wait for the right deal. Astros, others also in play.