Catching prospect Alejandro Kirk will be on the Toronto Blue Jays‘ opening day roster, manager Charlie Montoyo confirmed Sunday.
Kirk impressed during his major-league debut down the stretch of last season, hitting .375 over a nine-game sample. The offensive production carried over into spring training, where he’s posted a .917 OPS through 11 exhibition contests.
The 22-year-old’s rise up the organization’s depth chart has been meteoric, skipping the double-A and triple-A levels altogether.
Danny Jansen figures to be the Blue Jays’ primary backstop to start the season so long as he finishes camp healthy. Reese McGuire’s future is more uncertain since he is out of options and would be exposed to waivers should he not crack Toronto’s opening day roster.
Other notable players to make the team include pitchers Trent Thornton and Tim Mayza, as well as first baseman Rowdy Tellez. Left-hander Francisco Liriano is also still in contention for a bullpen spot to start the season.
The Blue Jays begin their regular season Thursday on the road against the New York Yankees.
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