Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospects Roberto Osuna and Miguel Castro are opening the season in the big leagues, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported Tuesday.
Osuna, 20, is poised to become the youngest pitcher in franchise history when he debuts. Like Osuna, Castro’s a hard-throwing 20-year-old who has yet to pitch in the upper minors or in the big leagues.
The decision to promote both Castro and Osuna means the Blue Jays will open the season with six rookies. Top pitching prospects Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris will start for Toronto, while Dalton Pompey and Devon Travis will start in centre field and at second base, respectively.
Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup are sure things in Toronto’s bullpen, but beyond that the Blue Jays have yet to make final decisions. It’s even possible the club could open the season with an eight-man bullpen in an attempt to preserve pitching depth.
Right-handers Marco Estrada and Todd Redmond are well-positioned to join Toronto’s bullpen along with Colt Hynes, and Liam Hendriks remains in the mix. Steve Delabar, Jeff Francis and Chad Jenkins are among the relievers who are no longer being considered for bullpen roles.
