Two of the newest members of the Toronto Blue Jays will be available for Tuesday night’s series opener against the Miami Marlins.
Robbie Ray and Jonathan Villar have both reported to the club and are active, per the team.
Villar will bat third in the order and play shortstop against his former team, while Ray is likely to pitch for the Blue Jays “in some capacity,” according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
First pitch between the Blue Jays and Marlins is at 6:37 p.m. ET
In corresponding moves, the Blue Jays optioned Jacob Waguespack to the club’s alternate training site and added him to the taxi squad, while designating Brandon Drury, Sam Gaviglio and Daniel Vogelbach for assignment.
Villar and Ray were acquired on Monday ahead of the MLB trade deadline as the team looked to solidify its roster for a run at the post-season.
Another player brought in ahead of the deadline, pitcher Ross Stripling, will debut for the team on Friday as the starter in one of the team’s doubleheader games against the Boston Red Sox.
The team’s moves to bring in starting pitching, which also included the addition Taijuan Walker, came after a handful of injuries to the Blue Jays rotation. One of those players was Trent Thornton, who underwent surgery on Monday to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. Charlie Montoyo says Thornton is expected to be ready for the 2021 season.
Montoyo also provided updates Tuesday on Ken Giles, Bo Bichette, Nate Pearson and Matt Shoemaker, all of whom are making progress in their respective rehabs.
Injury updates:
— Ken Giles felt good after first live BP; next one set for Saturday now because of Friday doubleheader;
— Bo Bichette took grounders, ran sprints and hit in the cage;
— Nate Pearson played catch at 120 feet, next step is a bullpen; Matt Shoemaker at 105 feet.— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) September 1, 2020
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