Blue Jays shrink spring-training roster by 11, release RHP Jay Jackson

Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Jay Jackson works against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. (John Hefti/AP Photo)

The Toronto Blue Jays moved one step closer to finalizing their opening-day roster when they made a series of roster moves on Saturday, including granting RHP Jay Jackson his release.

Jackson, 35, had to be added to the roster by noon ET / 9 a.m. PT Saturday, otherwise the Blue Jays were forced to release him, as Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported.

The Blue Jays made 10 other roster moves, re-assigning six players and using options on four to send them to minor-league spring training.

Re-assigned: RHPs Luke Bard, Junior Fernandez, Bowden Francis, and Matt Peacock, as well as catchers Stevie Berman and Rob Brantly.

Those being optioned were RHPs Thomas Hatch, Nate Pearson, Zach Thompson and Trent Thornton.

The Blue Jays now have 31 players in their major-league camp (16 pitchers, two catchers, nine infielders, and four outfielders) and must get down to 26 for opening day.

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