Joe Biagini to start Blue Jays’ spring training opener

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins weighs in on the Josh Donaldson contract talks, says JD’s interest to remain with this club is authentic, and so is their mutual interest in him.

Joe Biagini will be on the mound to start the Toronto Blue Jays‘ spring training opener Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies in Dunedin, Fla.

Biagini’s role for 2018 became uncertain when the Blue Jays acquired Jaime Garcia, who figures to be the club’s No. 5 starter. Biagini could wind up in the Blue Jays bullpen or perhaps begin the season as starting pitching depth at triple-A.

The 27-year-old right-hander posted a 5.34 ERA in 119.2 innings last season across 44 games, 18 of which were starts.

Danny Barnes, a right-handed reliever, is pencilled in to start Game 2 of the Grapefruit League schedule for the Blue Jays. He isn’t being stretched out as a starter; instead, that day’s game will just feature several members of the club’s relief corps.

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