(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays named infielder Santiago Espinal to their 26-man roster for their first-round playoff series against the Seattle Mariners, but not outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hurt.
Posted at 12:16 p.m.
Espinal (oblique) and Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) both trained and raced around the trails Thursday at Rogers Center. But it wasn’t until Friday morning, a few hours before the first match, that their status was confirmed.
Reserve receiver Gabriel Moreno was also included in the active roster, as was left-handed reliever Yusei Kikuchi. Reserve outfielder Bradley Zimmer was left out.
The decision to include Moreno allows the Blue Jays to rely on three receivers and gives them the flexibility to move Alejandro Kirk or Danny Jansen into a designated hitter role, should it become necessary.
As for Kikuchi, he’s struggled in a starting role this season, but has improved lately after being moved to the bullpen. He adds to the team a powerful left arm that can be used in long relief.
Zimmer has been used in a limited way this season, mostly as an emergency runner or as a defensive measure late in games.
Ace Alek Manoah will be the Blue Jays’ starting pitcher in Game 1 on Friday afternoon. He will face Luis Castillo.
A packed house of more than 45,000 spectators is expected for this first playoff game at Rogers Center since 2016.
Robbie Ray, who won the Cy-Young with the Blue Jays last year, is expected to start for the Mariners in Game 2. Logan Gilbert should then get the start if a third meeting is needed.
The Blue Jays have yet to reveal their plans for Game 2 and Game 3, but Kevin Gausman and Ross Stripling are logical candidates to start.
All games in this best-of-three series will be played at the home of the Blue Jays, due to a better regular season record than the Mariners.