LEADING OFF JAYS TO OPEN SEASON IN FLORIDA

Although the Toronto Blue Jays have made official their plans for an extended stay in Florida this spring, the team remains hopeful it will play games in Toronto this summer. As workouts began in Dunedin on Thursday, the team confirmed what has long been expected — the Jays will begin their regular season home dates where Toronto plays its spring training games. For now, the Jays are committing to the first two homestands at the once creaky but recently renovated facility, which covers action into the first week of

May. After that, the team will explore other opportunities, including an eventual return to Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. The Canada-U.S. border closure related to the COVID-19 pandemic means any return to Toronto remains largely uncertain, with a dose of wishful thinking. The Dunedin facility was upgraded prior to the 2020 season with enhanced lighting and seating. The first scheduled game at TD Ballpark is slated for April 8 against the New York Yankees.