2021 Blue Jays: Roster Moves and More

2021 Blue Jays: Reassigned Players

Six players have been reassigned to minor league affiliates as the Blue Jays spring training comes to a close in less than a week. Reassigned players include Forrest Wall, Richard Urena, Tyler White, Kirby Snead, Kevin Smith, and Dany Jimenez. There are no real surprises on this list of reassigned players.

Optioned Players

The Toronto Blue Jays have optioned four players to minor league affiliates for the beginning of the 2021 season. The four players on the optioned list are pitcher Joel Payamps, Santiago Espinal, Josh Palacios, and Riley Adams.

Joe Panik Makes Roster

Non-roster invitee Joe Panik has officially made the Toronto Blue Jays roster for 2021 announced by manager Charlie Montoyo. Joe Panik returned for the 2021 season with hopes of making the team and he has done just that, a versatile infielder that will provide some much-needed depth with a 162 game schedule.

The now 30-year old infielder was impressive during spring training for Toronto with good numbers at the plate and also playing well defensively. This was an easy decision for the Blue Jays management and coaching staff as Panik has been consistent, holding a .296 batting average in 13 games and 29 plate appearances.

The bonus to having Joe Panik on the team for 2021 is also his experience, he is a world series champion, and a gold glove winner. With a young lineup, the value of experience is vital if the Blue Jays plan to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Jonathan Davis Makes Roster

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that outfielder Jonathan Davis has made the opening day roster. Jonathan had a very strong spring training and played very well during his grapefruit league appearances. The 28-year old centerfielder was red hot at the plate with a .323 batting average, 10 hits, one home run, and four RBI"s in 31 at-bats. Jonathan Davis enters his fourth season in MLB and his fourth with the Blue Jays making his MLB debut in 2018.

This announcement will also lead us to believe that outfielder George Springer will not be ready from his oblique strain injury and will be sidelined to open the 2021 season. Manager Charlie Montoyo confirmed that George Springer remains day-to-day and he has been hitting off a tee, still no certainty for his return to the lineup.

Hyun-Jin Ryu Opening Day Starter

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu will be the starting pitcher on opening day in New York against the Yankees. This has been the plan since the opening of spring training as the 2020 Warren Spahn award-winner returns for his second season as the Blue Jays ace.

Hyun-Jin Ryu has looked good during his grapefruit league appearances, his breaking ball has been sharp and accurate and he looks confident on the mound. The now 33-year old left-hander has a 1.50 ERA and 6 strikeouts in just over 6 innings of work. The Blue Jays will rely on Ryu to lead the pitching staff once again in 2021.

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