Toronto Blue Jays: Previewing the potential 2020 opening day roster
By Ryan Patrick
Projected Outfield
The outfield may be the Blue Jays’ biggest weakness this season, but it’s already a guarantee on who will be starting. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, and Randall Grichuk have all locked down starter roles, according to manager Charlie Montoya.
Gurriel Jr. was solid last season after getting moved to left field and hopefully, that continues in 2020. The only real question is who will play centre field, Hernandez or Grichuk?
GM Ross Atkins has already declared that Grichuk starting in centre field on opening day is the club’s “most likely scenario”. Derek Fisher, Anthony Alford, Billy McKinney, and Jonathan Davis are all in the mix for 4th outfield/bench spots.
Predicted opening day outfield:
Left Field: Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Centre Field: Randall Grichuk
Right Field: Teoscar Hernandez
Bench: Derek Fisher, Anthony Alford
Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Projected Bullpen
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There’s one thing that’s certain about the Blue Jays bullpen: Ken Giles is the closer. But what about everyone else? Anthony Bass will be a new face for Jays fans as he was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners back in October.
He had respectable numbers after putting up a 3.56 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 44 innings pitched. He could very well be used in a set-up role ahead of Ken Giles. The rest of the pen will be a mix of familiar names and new ones.
This list includes Thomas Pannone, Rafael Dolis, Jacob Waguespack, Sam Gaviglio, Trent Thornton, Ryan Borucki (currently shut down due to left elbow tightness), and Wilmer Font.
Predicted opening day bullpen:
Closer: Ken Giles
Relievers: Anthony Bass, Thomas Pannone, Rafael Dolis, Sam Gaviglio, Trent Thornton, Jacob Waguespack, Wilmer Font.
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What are you looking forward to this season with the Blue Jays? What will their record be? Let us know in the comments below.