Biggio to IL, Kay to Triple-A, and Other Blue Jay Roster Moves
Saturday's Toronto Blue Jays are going to look different than last night's.
The club announced six roster moves this afternoon, placing Cavan Biggio on the Injured List, activating two off the IL, and shuffling three players to and from Triple-A Buffalo.
Big takeaways:
Cavan Biggio's injury isn't expected to hold him out longer than 10 days, per Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo.
"[Biggio] gets loose and then is fine, then the more he plays, it gets too uncomfortable," Montoyo said.
Anthony Kay's demotion is significant, as it opens up a spot in the starting rotation. As of now, Montoyo said that rotation spot will be filled by a "bullpen day."
Montoyo also confirmed that Ross Stripling would start Monday.
George Springer did some running today, but only at "50 to 60 per cent," Montoyo said.
Overall, the transactions are as follows:
Transaction Summary:
Off the roster:
- INF Cavan Biggio to the IL
- RP Jeremy Beasley optioned to Triple-A
- SP Anthony Kay optioned to Triple-A
On the roster:
- RP Ty Tice promoted from Triple-A
- RP Anthony Castro activated off the IL
- INF Joe Panik activated off the IL
The biggest move of Saturday's flurry was Biggio to the IL. The infielder/outfielder has been battling neck issues for a while, Manager Charlie Montoyo said Friday, but has played through the issue according to Montoyo.
Panik and Castro's return from the IL will help bolster a depleted bullpen and replace an infielder in Biggio's absence, but Toronto's third basemen (usually) was starting to see a turn around at the plate before his neck issue and his on-base skills will be missed in the lineup.
To further relieve Toronto's pen after a 12-inning showdown against the Rays last night, the Blue Jays optioned Anthony Kay and Jeremy Beasley to Triple-A and recalled a fresh arm in Ty Tyce. Kay has been in the rotation for a few turns, but, barring an injury replacement, will not be able to make his next start. It is unclear who Toronto's fifth starter will be moving forward.
Further Reading
Prospect Logan Warmoth Drawing MLB Attention After 17 Months Away
Marcus Semien discusses the difficulties of playing in Dunedin
Blue Jays have the most top prospects in Baseball America's top 100
Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon