Blue Jays to finalize roster today

Gibbons to announce closer, fourth outfielder and final three bullpen spots

March 29th, 2016

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Blue Jays manager John Gibbons will announce his closer, fourth outfielder and the final three spots in the bullpen during a media-availability session early Wednesday morning.
Toronto originally was expected to make the announcement Tuesday afternoon, but the club has instead decided to wait another day. The Blue Jays did make a couple of moves earlier Tuesday by releasing right-hander Steve Delabar and informing veteran lefty Randy Choate that he did not make the team.
Delabar, Choate don't make Blue Jays' bullpen
The closer's job is between Drew Storen and Roberto Osuna, and while a decision has been made, it was not immediately clear whether either pitcher had been informed of the move. That could be one reason behind the delayed announcement.
"We're familiar with Osuna, we've heard good things about Drew, we like everything we've seen from Drew," Gibbons said. "We'll see."

The fourth outfielder's job will go to Junior Lake, Ezequiel Carrera or Darrell Ceciliani. Lake and Carrera are out of options on their contracts and cannot be sent to the Minors without clearing waivers, but Ceciliani has enjoyed the best spring of the remaining candidates.

With Estrada expected to begin the year on the disabled list, Toronto intends to carry eight relievers for the first week of the season. That leaves three spots up for grabs with Rule 5 pick Joe Biagini, Arnold Leon, Pat Venditte and Ryan Tepera in the mix.
Estrada likely to begin season on disabled list
Tuesday's split-squad games canceled
Toronto's games against the Rays and Tigers on Tuesday afternoon were rained out. The cancellations don't have a big impact on the Blue Jays, but they do stop the team from being able to use Storen, Osuna and lefty Brett Cecil in back-to-back games.
"Other than a couple of guys who were going to go back-to-back days, but that's not necessary," Gibbons said. "They're in good shape."
Up next for the Blue Jays
Right-hander Gavin Floyd will make his final start of the spring when the Blue Jays visit the Twins on Wednesday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. ET -- and fans can watch live on MLB.TV, or listen to a free, exclusive webcast. Floyd was competing for the final spot in the rotation, but that job went to Aaron Sanchez. Floyd will instead begin the year in the bullpen.