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Several Darkhorse candidates remain in the mix for the Toronto Blue Jays Bullpen
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Blue Jays have six games remaining in grapefruit league and their coaching staff have several dark horse candidates that remain potentially for their bullpen.
After last year's disastrous bullpen, the Blue Jays have been wanting to turn the page on their roster to make the team better as relief pitching became a nightmare at times.
Several names remain options for bullpen roster
Players like Dillion Tate, Richard Lovelady, Tommy Nance and Josh Walker are all potential candidates that could find themselves on the roster if there is a injury or potential change of heart from the coaching staff.
The Blue Jays signed Dillon Tate to a major league deal last week, but Shi Davidi from Sportsnet reports it's on a split contract, so he can be optioned this season, but he's guaranteed to make $1.4 million whether he pitches a game in the majors this year. - Ian Hunter
He will be sent to AAA in Buffalo as he has not played a single game in spring training because of his late signing. It's safe to say the Blue Jays will likely call him up first if he is needed.
One player in particular who has a great chance based on his level of work as of late is Richard Lovelady as he has played through six spring training appearances and has stood out to be considered for the Blue Jays this season.
Dillon Tate has passed his physical with Blue Jays, industry source tells @bnicholsonsmithand me. Deal pays Tate $1.4m on a split contract, with bonuses of $50K at 45 and 50 games.
Nance and Walker have had a weaker Spring training
Both Nance and Walker have showed some weaknesses in their game as Josh Walker has had trouble with walks It's been a decent reliever through five games in spring training.
Nance Is likely the weakest of the group as he has not had a great spring training and will be hard pressed to find himself a bullpen role on Opening Day. There is still time for him to turn things around.
With 10 days remaining of Spring Training and six games remaining on the Grapefruit League schedule, the picture will become clear on the last remaining spots before Opening Day is set on March 27th when the Blue Jays will have their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
Source: BlueJaysNation
Mapping out the Toronto Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen
Mapping out the Toronto Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen
Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider
| POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 523 ANSWERS Several Darkhorse candidates remain in the mix for the Toronto Blue Jays Bullpen Who do you think will make the bullpen roster on Opening Day for the Blue Jays? | ||
| Dillion Tate | 169 | 32.3 % |
| Richard Lovelady | 155 | 29.6 % |
| Josh Walker | 80 | 15.3 % |
| Tommy Nance | 119 | 22.8 % |
| List of polls | ||