Blue Jays’ Trent Thornton to start first spring training game on Saturday

Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi discuss all eyes being on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the Blue Jays begin their first day of full squad workouts.

Sportsnet Staff February 18, 2020, 10:23 AM

Right-hander Trent Thornton is slated to start the Toronto Blue Jays’ first spring training game Saturday, manager Charlie Montoyo told reporters.

First three starting pitchers of the spring for the #BlueJays: Trent Thornton, Anthony Kay and Shun Yamaguchi, says manager Charlie Montoyo.

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) February 18, 2020

Prospect Anthony Kay and newly acquired Japanese star Shun Yamaguchi will follow on Sunday and Monday.

Thornton and Yamaguchi are two of the names that look well-positioned to compete for Toronto’s fifth rotation spot, which is seemingly still up for grabs as an Opening Day lineup starts to shape up. The 26-year-old Thornton started 29 games for the Blue Jays in 2019.

Kay, acquired from the New York Mets in the Marcus Stroman trade, was called up in September and made two starts. He posted a 5.19 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 14 innings in the big leagues.

The Blue Jays kick off spring training action next Saturday against the New York Yankees.

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