Mistakes prove costly as Jays fall to Yanks
DUNEDIN— It’s a good thing these games don’t count, because if they did, the Blue Jays’ 4-3 loss to the Yankees on Saturday afternoon would be the kind that stings more than usual.
It probably still does for minorleague catcher Tony Sanchez, who made a pair of errors in the ninth inning that allowed the Yankees to score the go-ahead run.
Most of the Jays’ regulars weren’t around to see it.
Here are five takeaways from Saturday’s game:
HAPP GROUNDS YANKS
J.A. Happ got a rude awakening in his first start at big-league camp since March 9, when leadoff hitter Aaron Hicks took him deep in the game’s first at-bat. But Happ retired the next 14 batters in a row. The veteran lefty, charged with three runs in six innings, induced 13 ground-ball outs, an unusually high rate for the typically fly-ball-prone pitcher.
“That was a good sign,” he said, noting his two-seam fastball had good movement and he was locating down in the strike zone.
Happ’s next start is tentatively scheduled for Friday in Montreal.
DECISIONS LOOM
Jays manager John Gibbons met with front-office staff on Friday to discuss roster decisions with about a week to go before opening day. Gibbons had nothing to announce Saturday, but said decisions are coming.
“We’re kind of narrowing some things down, so we should know pretty soon.”
Remaining competitions include Aaron Sanchez vs. Gavin Floyd for the fifth starter’s job; Drew Storen vs. Roberto Osuna for closer; Junior Lake, Ezequiel Carrera and Darrell Ceciliani for the backup outfielder’s spot, and a slew of arms for a pair of spots at the front of the bullpen.
EDWIN TAKES BP
Designated hitter Edwin Encarna- cion has yet to appear in a spring training game due first to an abscessed tooth and then a strained oblique muscle. But the soft-spoken slugger took batting practice on Saturday and plans to do the same Sunday before playing in a minor-league game on Monday.
That doesn’t leave him much time to get in game shape before opening day on April 3, but Encarnacion says he thinks he will be ready. If he starts the year on the disabled list it could open up a spot for utility infielder Andy Burns to make the team.
TRAVIS INCHES CLOSER
Devon Travis, the Jays second baseman who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, took a small step toward his return on Saturday when he fielded ground balls for the first time since the operation. The 25-year-old, who missed most of last season with a nagging shoulder injury, is still expected to be out at least until mid-May, maybe longer.
“It’s really been a slow process for him,” Gibbons said. “So to get out there, that’s got to do wonders.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The Blue Jays travel to Port Charlotte on Sunday to face the Tampa Bay Rays. Drew Hutchison, who will likely start the season in Triple-A Buffalo, will get the start and is scheduled to be followed by Joe Biagini, Ryan Tepera and switch-pitcher Pat Venditte, all of whom are competing for spots in the bullpen.