Jays expect improved outfield defence

In Tuesday ’s game against the New York Yankees in Dunedin, Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk sprained his left wrist making a spectacular catch in right field. “He probably won’t play for a couple of days. He’s like Kevin (Pillar) out there, very athletic. All out all the time,” said Toronto manager John Gibbons.

The Jays believe with the addition of Grichuk in right and Curtis Granderson in left (likely platooning with Steve Pearce), the outfield defence will be much better in Toronto than it was last season.

TELLEZ LEAVES CAMP

A week ago, first baseman Rowdy Tellez talked about how relieved he feels this season as his mom Lori seemed to be on the upswing in her fight with Stage 4 melanoma. His mom spent most of last year in the hospital and that certainly proved to be a distraction for the Blue Jays’ No. 1 prospect at first base.

Sadly, Tellez has had to leave camp this week to see his mom, who is ailing again.

LONG LOOK AT NGOEPE

One player getting a long look at spring training is infielder Gift Ngoepe, whom the Jays acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Nov. 20. The Jays have played seven Grapefruit League games and Ngoepe has seen action in six. On the Jays’ middle infield depth chart, the South African-born player is probably No. 5, behind Troy Tulowitzki, Devon Travis, Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz.