TORONTO – Top prospects Daniel Norris, Dalton Pompey and Kendall Graveman headline the list of nine players the Toronto Blue Jays are adding as big-league rosters expanded up to 40 men Monday, multiple industry sources told Sportsnet.
Joining the promising trio in ascent are familiar faces like Anthony Gose, Ryan Goins and Sean Nolin, while Brandon Morrow and Dan Johnson are both being activated from the disabled list. Catcher George Kottaras, signed as a minor-league free agent last month, rounds out the list.
Three spots still must be cleared off the 40-man roster, but the Blue Jays have until Tuesday to make those decisions. Another spot was cleared when reliever Neil Wagner, who recently underwent Tommy John surgery, was designated for assignment.
Norris and Graveman are the latest pitching prospects to graduate to the big-leagues this season, while Pompey is the most notable position player to break through. All three started the season in single-A and each shot through the farm system.
Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez broke through earlier this season.
Another new arrival will be John Mayberry Jr., acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday night for minor-league infielder Gustavo Pierre.
Mayberry, 30, gives the Blue Jays another right-handed option in the outfield, at first base and designated hitter with his career .856 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
Essentially, the next month will be a free look at him for the Blue Jays, who will have two spots available in the outfield next year with Melky Cabrera and Colby Rasmus headed for free agency.
Mayberry has two years of arbitration remaining and is earning $1.59 million this year.
