Jays name Richmond No. 5 starter

THE CANADIAN PRESS

DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays will start the season with Scott Richmond as the fifth starter and Michael Barrett as the backup catcher after finalizing its 25-man roster Wednesday.

Richmond, from North Vancouver, B.C., had been in competition for the final spot in the rotation with lefty prospect Brad Mills, who was returned to minor-league camp along with catcher Raul Chavez.

Barrett, signed as a minor-league free agent, beat out Chavez for the backup job behind Rod Barajas.

The Blue Jays also assigned utility man Joe Inglett to triple-A Las Vegas, paring down their roster to 25.

His demotion leaves Kevin Millar, Jose Bautista and John McDonald on the Blue Jays bench.

Word of the moves came before the Blue Jays beat Washington 7-6 in Grapefruit League play.

Ace Roy Halladay threw seven strong innings, allowing just two runs, one earned, with five strikeouts.

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