DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays' bullpen was dealt a potentially serious blow Wednesday morning when it was revealed that both Ryan Tepera and John Axford are experiencing right elbow soreness.

Tepera and Axford were evaluated earlier this week, and the test results are expected to be announced Thursday morning. Toronto is remaining vague on the details until the full diagnosis is known, but internally there is obvious concern.

Whenever a pitcher complains about elbow soreness the fear is that he damaged the ulnar collateral ligament and may require Tommy John surgery. The Blue Jays hope these two cases are far less severe but even if they are it's hard to envision a scenario in which they would be ready by Opening Day.

"They're going through that now," Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Wednesday morning when asked about the tests. "I'll give you an update tomorrow when I know. I don't want to say anything more. That's all I know and that's why they haven't been pitching."

The injuries have blown the door wide open on the competition for jobs in the bullpen. The Blue Jays started the spring with four relievers who had guaranteed spots -- Ken Giles, Tim Mayza, Joe Biagini and Tepera -- that number drops to three and while Axford might not have been promised anything he was well on his way to making the team as well.

Montoyo admitted the latest injuries will impact his club's decision on whether to carry seven or eight relievers. That means Toronto has four or five jobs up for grabs with less than a week remaining in Spring Training. Here's a closer look at the candidates:

The clear favorites

RHP Bud Norris: Tepera's possible departure likely opens the door for Norris to open the year as Toronto's primary set-up man. Norris notched 28 saves for the Cardinals last season while posting a 3.59 ERA. He's technically not considered a lock but considering the alternatives he might as well be.

RHP Elvis Luciano: Luciano likely was always going to crack the 25-man roster on Opening Day but his path became even easier with the latest injuries. The 19-year-old has battled control issues in Florida, and at times has seemed overmatched, but the Blue Jays have to keep him on the 25-man roster or instead offer him back to the Royals.

The contenders

David Paulino: Paulino didn't do himself any favors earlier this spring when he had to be called out by Giles for not participating in an on-field drill. The 25-year-old was one of the key returns in last year's Roberto Osuna deal but if this decision is being based on current merits then he should open the season in Triple-A Buffalo.

Trent Thornton: Thornton didn't seem to have any chance of cracking Toronto's 25-man roster at the start of camp, but that might be changing. Thornton is a starter by trade, but he has made six appearances out of the bullpen this spring while posting a 3.97 ERA. It's starting to look like he might have a legitimate shot to head north.

Sam Gaviglio: If Gaviglio makes the team it might be as the eighth reliever to help protect the starting rotation. Gaviglio is bound for the rotation at Triple-A Buffalo, but at the start of the year he could serve as the long reliever. Gaviglio, along with the two previously mentioned contenders, are all on the 40-man roster.

Non 40-man roster options

The Blue Jays currently don't have any open spots on their 40-man roster, which normally would be considered problematic, but Toronto actually has some flexibility here. Devon Travis (left knee) and Jonathan Davis (right ankle) are candidates for the 60-day injured list and it's possible Tepera could be headed there as well.

Toronto also must make a decision on outfielder Dalton Pompey. If the Blue Jays go with seven relievers, Pompey has a chance to make the team as a fifth outfielder. If Toronto goes with eight relievers, the out-of-options Pompey would become a candidate to be designated for assignment.

The flexibility of the 40-man roster means the Blue Jays can consider some non-roster invitees as well. Javy Guerra and Danny Barnes top that list and both relievers should garner consideration vs. the three aforementioned contenders. Zach Jackson and Justin Shafer are two other candidate’s worth mentioning.