Jays to retire Doc’s No. 32 on opening day

In honour of the late Roy (Doc) Halladay, the Toronto Blue Jays will retire his uniform No. 32 on March 29, as part of its openingday ceremonies when the club hosts the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.

Halladay will join Roberto Alomar (12) as the only players in franchise history to have their numbers retired.

“Through Roy’s values, pride, work ethic and perseverance, he epitomized what it means to be a Blue Jay,” said Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro. “And while his legacy is clear, it goes far beyond the number on his back or his onfield accomplishments, serving as a shining example of how to live a meaningful life and positively impact others.”

The Jays will also celebrate Halladay ’s life and storied career during the pre-game ceremony, as well as wear a special No. 32 commemorative patch on their uniforms for the entire 2018 season, including spring training.

In 12 seasons with the Blue Jays, the Denver native posted a record of 148-76 in 313 games with 49 complete games.

He is the franchise leader in winning percentage (.661), strikeouts per nine innings pitched (6.60), and walks per nine innings pitched (2.00). He also ranks second in franchise history in wins, third in innings pitched, complete games, and ERA (3.43).

In 2003, he won the American League Cy Young Award while setting the franchise record with an AL-best 22 wins and led the league in games started (36), complete games (nine) and shutouts (two). He made four all-star game appearances as a member of the Jays.

Meanwhile, the Jays added Craig Breslow, 37, on Monday, signing the veteran left-hander to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Breslow posted a 5.09 ERA in 37 appearances last year for Minnesota and Cleveland.