
Pitchers and catchers report Tuesday: Here are five Jays spring training storylines
TORONTO — Pitchers and catchers are set to report to the Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., on Tuesday. Here are five storylines to watch as the pre-season unfolds.
ANOTHER RULE 5 SPARK?
The Blue Jays selected right-hander Glenn Sparkman from Kansas City at December’s Rule 5 draft with the hopes he could be a repeat of last year’s success story, Joe Biagini. As a Rule 5 pick, Sparkman must remain on the major league roster for the entire season or be offered back to the Royals at US$50,000 — half the cost they paid for him in the draft.
Sparkman, 24, was drafted by the Royals in the 20th round in 2013. He hasn’t pitched above double-A, but spent time at four levels last season in his first full year since having Tommy John surgery in 2015. He was 2-7 with a 5.22 earned-run average over 60 1/3 innings split between rookie league, single-A, high-A and double-A.