Toronto Blue Jays cut nine players before Opening Day

The Toronto Blue Jays are making changes to their roster as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season. Today, they cut nine players, bringing their roster down to 32. Opening Day is just one week away. The Blue Jays will face the Baltimore Orioles in their first game next Thursday. They have three spring training games left to finalize their roster decisions. Among the players cut today are pitchers Mason Fluharty, Kevin Gowdy, and Hayden Juenger, as well as catcher Matt Whatley. These players have been reassigned to Minor League camp. Other cuts include pitchers Jake Bloss, Dillon Tate, and Josh Walker, along with Jonatan Clase and Orelvis Martinez, who are now heading to Triple-A. Dillon Tate, a veteran who has played 190 games in the MLB over five seasons, is among the notable cuts. The 30-year-old was picked up by the Blue Jays last September but did not play in spring training games this year. The decision to send him to Triple-A might help him regain his arm strength. Orelvis Martinez, another player of interest, had a strong performance in Triple-A last season with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs. However, he was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance. He is currently the Blue Jays' third-best prospect. With these cuts, the Blue Jays still have some tough decisions ahead to reach the MLB's required 26-man roster before the season starts.