Blue Jays edge Marlins in spring training as roster cuts begin
The Toronto Blue Jays secured a spring training win over the Miami Marlins on Monday. George Springer led the offence with a leadoff home run and a run scored on a wild pitch. Meanwhile, the team trimmed its roster by sending seven players to the minors ahead of the regular season.
Springer opened the game with a solo homer against Miami. In the third inning, he crossed the plate again after a wild pitch. Myles Straw contributed an RBI groundout in the same frame, while Daulton Varsho later added a two-run double.
On the defensive side, RJ Schreck threw out Chris Arroyo at home plate to preserve the lead. Jesse Hahn then closed out the game with a save. The Marlins managed two home runs, one each from Otto Lopez and Daniel Johnson, but it wasn't enough. Before the match, the Blue Jays reassigned left-handers Javen Coleman and Michael Plassmeyer, catcher Geovanny Planchart, and infielders Sean Keys, Charles McAdoo, and Arjun Nimmala to minor-league camp. Outfielder Jonatan Clase was also optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Earlier in the week, pitchers Chad Dallas, Ryan Jennings, CJ Van Eyk, Aaron Parker, and Cutter Coffey had been sent down as well. Toronto will now prepare to face the Baltimore Orioles in Dunedin, Fla., on Wednesday. The regular season begins on March 27, when the Blue Jays host the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre.
The win over Miami comes as the Blue Jays finalise their roster for opening day. With seven players now in the minors, the team is shaping its lineup for the season ahead. Their next spring training game will test them against another AL East rival before the regular season kicks off.
