ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – First baseman Rowdy Tellez opens the 2016 minor-league season at double-A New Hampshire while fellow top prospects centre-fielder Anthony Alford, shortstop Richard Urena and right-hander Conner Greene begin the campaign at single-A Dunedin as the Toronto Blue Jays revealed their organizational rosters Monday.
Jonathan Harris, last year’s first-round pick, fellow right-hander Sean-Reid Foley, a second-rounder in 2014, and left-hander Angel Perdomo start the year at low-A Lansing.
Among other notable prospects lower down the system, speedy outfielder Roemon Fields and hard-throwing relief candidate John Stilson are at New Hampshire, while outfielder D.J. Davis, the 2012 first-rounder, Canadian righty Tom Robson and catcher Dan Jansen are all at Dunedin.
Drew Hutchison, the Blue Jays’ opening day starter last year, headlines the roster at triple-A Buffalo, which is stocked with several potential depth players. Hutchison, centre-fielder Dalton Pompey, outfielder Darrell Ceciliani, left-hander Chad Girodo and utilityman Andy Burns, whom all made a strong impression on the Blue Jays during spring training, are the few younger upside players on a veteran roster.
The rotation in Buffalo features Hutchison, Scott Copeland, Wade LeBlanc and Canadians Scott Diamond and Chris Leroux. Ryan Tepera, who was on the opening day roster until the last-minute signing of lefty Franklin Morales, and Girodo lead a Bisons bullpen that also includes Pat Venditte, David Aardsma, Chad Jenkins and Ben Rowen.
Tony Sanchez and Humberto Quintero handle duties behind the plate in Buffalo, while former Phillies all-star Domonic Brown joins Pompey and Ceciliani in the outfield. Jesus Montero is an intriguing addition to the Bisons as their designated hitter.
Catcher Max Pentecost, the 11th overall pick in 2014, and third baseman Mitch Nay both open the minor-league season on the disabled list.
