Blue Jays' Vancouver affiliate to begin season in Oregon

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The Vancouver Canadians, the Toronto Blue Jays' high-A affiliate, have announced that they will begin the season in Oregon due to ongoing border closures between Canada and the United States.

In a statement, the team said it would begin the season in Hillsboro, OR., but will continue to work on plans to return to Canada later this year.

"The health and safety of our fans, players and staff continues to be our top priority," the team said in a statement. "As an organization, we are working through plans to execute a safe return to Nat Bailey Stadium in addition to providing an alternative option for the games to be played."

Under the new agreement between MLB and MiLB, Vancouver will play in the High-A West league with five other teams: the Eugene Emeralds (San Francisco Giants), Everett AquaSox (Seattle Mariners), Hillsboro Hops (Arizona Diamondbacks), Tri-City Dust Devils (Los Angeles Angels), and Spokane Indians (Colorado Rockies). This marks a promotion to a full season schedule of 132-games, played in six-game series to limit travel.

The Canadians will open the season on May 4 at Tri-City.

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