It’s roster reinforcement time, and the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t holding back.
The Blue Jays are set to promote nine players to the big league team Tuesday, now that active rosters have expanded to a maximum of 40 for the final month of the season.
Some of the Blue Jays’ additions are familiar yet others are appearing in the big leagues for the first time. Here’s a guide to all nine of them:
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Daniel Norris
Position: LHP | Age: 21 | Acquired: 2nd round of 2011 draft
2014 stats: 2.53 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 124.2 innings at Dunedin, New Hampshire, Buffalo
Year in Review: Norris enjoyed a breakout season that saw him climb from Class A Dunedin to MLB in a matter of months. The left-hander’s considered one of Toronto’s top prospects and a potential MLB starter.
What he offers in 2014: Dynamic lefty arm out of the bullpen.
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Dalton Pompey
Position: OF | Age: 21 | Acquired: 16th round of 2010 draft
2014 stats: .317/.392/.469 batting line with 22 doubles, 43 stolen bases at Dunedin, New Hampshire, Buffalo
Year in Review: Along with Norris, the Mississauga, Ont., native climbed from Class A all the way to Toronto in just one season. The switch-hitter offers some power with nine home runs and nine triples.
What he offers in 2014: Speed and hitting ability off the bench.
Kendall Graveman
Position: RHP | Age: 23 | Acquired: 8th round of 2013 draft
2014 stats: 1.83 ERA with 115 strikeouts in 167.1 innings at Lansing, Dunedin, New Hampshire, Buffalo
Year in Review: Graveman showed impressive command across four minor league levels this year, allowing just 31 walks in 27 starts. The Mississippi State University product reached the big leagues just 15 months after being drafted.
What he offers in 2014: Capable bullpen innings.
Anthony Gose
Position: OF | Age: 24 | Acquired: From Astros in 2010 trade
2014 stats: .234/.333/.291 batting line with 14 stolen bases in 69 games with Blue Jays; .244/.305/.346 batting line with 21 stolen bases in 51 games with Bisons
Year in Review: Gose showed improved on-base skills in 2014, drawing 22 walks against big league pitching. He’s a skilled defender who offers limited power at the plate.
What he offers in 2014: Speed and defence off the bench.
Ryan Goins
Position: 2B | Age: 26 | Acquired: 4th round of 2009 draft
2014 stats: .197/.222/.262 batting line in 43 games with Blue Jays; .284/.337/.353 batting line in 97 games with Bisons
Year in Review: Goins hasn’t hit big league pitching, and some doubt he ever will. But he’s a gifted defender capable of making a difference with the glove.
What he offers in 2014: Late-game defence off the bench.
Sean Nolin
Position: LHP | Age: 24 | Acquired: 6th round of 2010 draft
2014 stats: 3.50 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 87.1 innings at Buffalo
Year in Review: Nolin continued to show that he can get results against minor league bats. He missed time with a left groin strain, but his numbers were good when healthy so he gets the chance to redeem himself after last year’s disastrous debut.
What he offers in 2014: Another lefty out of the bullpen.
Brandon Morrow
Position: RHP | Age: 30 | Acquired: From Mariners in 2009 trade
2014 stats: 5.93 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 27.1 innings for Blue Jays
Year in Review: Morrow struggled in the Blue Jays’ rotation before being placed on the disabled list with a finger tendon injury that sidelined him for months. Now on the brink of free agency, he’ll pitch out of the bullpen.
What he offers in 2014: Power right-handed relief.
Dan Johnson
Position: 1B | Age: 35 | Acquired: Minor league free agent, November, 2013.
2014 stats: .232/.381/.434 batting line with 18 home runs at Buffalo
Year in Review: Johnson mashed at triple-A before earning a promotion to Toronto. He spent much of August recovering from a hamstring strain at triple-A.
What he offers in 2014: A lefty bat off the bench.
George Kottaras
Position: C | Age: 31 | Acquired: Minor league free agent, August, 2014.
2014 stats: .269/.375/.615 batting line with three home runs in 14 MLB games
Year in Review: Kottaras has had a busy year that’s included stops with the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and Blue Jays. The Scarborough, Ont., native flashed some power with the Indians earlier this season.
What he offers in 2014: Insurance as a third catcher.
