Clock ticking on Jays’ final roster calls
Pearce’s positioning will trigger aftershocks for outfielders, Goins and relief job in limbo
DUNEDIN, FLA.— The Blue Jays concluded their final weekend of spring training with an air of uncertainty lingering over the remaining roster decisions.
What role will versatile free-agent pickup Steve Pearce fill: left field or first base?
Who will nail down the final long-relief spot?
Where does Ryan Goins fit in? The middle infielder — who was plunked on the elbow in Toronto’s 2-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday — has been excellent defensively and with the bat.
With three games left in Florida, the Jays appear to be leaning toward starting Pearce in left field. He has played 208 career games in the outfield (212 at first) and said he’s comfortable with the move — about six months after surgery on his right elbow.
Putting Pearce in the outfield would have a ripple effect on outfield contenders Melvin Upton and Ezequiel Carrera. There isn’t likely room for both, especially if Toronto carries seven relievers, as expected.
As for the bullpen, closer Roberto Osuna, Jason Grilli, Joe Biagini, J.P. Howell and Joe Smith are locks, and left-hander Aaron Loup is expected to get one of the two remaining spots.
The battle for the final berth is down to veteran free-agent addition Mat Latos, Mike Bolsinger (acquired from the Dodgers in a trade for Jesse Chavez last season), returnee Ryan Tepera and former Diamondback Dominic Leone, a waiverwire pickup.
Tepera, who almost made the opening day roster last season, bounced between the majors and Triple-A Buffalo six times last year. He still has options, as does Leone. Latos and Bolsinger do not.
With186 career starts in the majors, Latos could join the rotation in Buffalo and give the Jays depth in case of injury. He could also decline and explore options with other teams.
“We’ll see,” Jays manager John Gibbons said, when asked what’s next for Latos. “He’ll keep pitching, and there are some things that are going to go down to the wire.”
As for Pearce, he played left field in Saturday’s split-squad game against the Canadian junior team — his first start in the outfield since Sept. 12, when he re-aggravated a tendon in his throwing elbow, followed soon after by surgery.
Toronto has been cautious with him throughout the spring. Pearce has been long-tossing, up to 180 feet, and will begin to work with coach Tim Leiper on throws to bases next.
“We’re going to try and do it at least a couple of more times . . . We’re get- ting down to the end,” Gibbons said.
“He came back and felt good (Sunday). I don’t think he had any throws to make, and now he can get with Leiper and throw to the bases a little more from out there, which is a big step. Nobody thinks there are going to be any issues now.”