Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: How will the Jays proceed?

Published Mar. 11, 2015 6:11 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

Blue Jays' ace Marcus Stroman is probably out for the season due to a torn ACL, and Phillies SP Cliff Lee will try to pitch through an elbow injury in a situation that probably won't end well. I'd write more about both, but Ryan Fowler did so already. Read his analysis here.

The Jays need to replace Stroman in their rotation, and Aaron Sanchez's name is the first one that keeps coming up. The team's website reports that Sanchez will compete with Daniel Norris and Marco Estrada for one of the final two rotation slots. The Toronto Star says that the previous plan was for Sanchez to be "cut back to short relief in mid-March in order to prepare for being at least the co-closer" with Brett Cecil. Now, according to the Star, Sanchez is likely to remain in the rotation through the end of spring training, and perhaps into the season.

This turn of events would seem to elevate Cecil from co-closer (or possible closer) to likely closer. One MLB.com columnist thinks the Jays' next move should be to sign free agent Rafael Soriano, and FOXSports.com's Rob Neyer suggests a deal for Cole Hamels (which the Jays currently say they can't afford). But until such a deal happens, Cecil appears to be your man at the back end of the Jays' bullpen.

I had Cecil at No. 28 in our fantasy reliever rankings before Stroman's injury. He should move up a couple of slots now, with room to ascend further if his manager officially gives him the job. Bid on Cecil a bit more confidently than you planned to yesterday. He's very good, and could save a lot of games.

In other news ...

White Sox 2B candidate Micah Johnson went 4-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored on Tuesday. Johnson stole 22 bases in the minors last season, but was slowed by some hamstring issues. In 2013, he swiped 83 bags. Keep him on your radar, deep leaguers.

Blue Jays 1B Edwin Encarnacion is expected to miss 4-5 days due to lower back inflammation. This is probably not a big deal.

Indians OF Michael Bourn had three hits on Tuesday, but was caught stealing. Steal some damned bases, Bourn!

In other Indians' news, SP Gavin Floyd is sidelined indefinitely after re-injuring the right elbow that he fractured last season. Surgery is a possibility.

The Braves are having speedy prospect Jose Peraza take fly balls in center field because they're looking for "versatility," according to top exec John Hart. In related news, CF Melvin (formerly B.J.) Upton has posted sub-.300 OBPs in each of the last two seasons. Hmm ...

Braves SP Mike Minor will start the season on the DL due to an inflamed rotator cuff. The Braves are also in the mix to sign Cuban free-agent 2B Hector Olivera, who is likely to play in the majors soon after signing.

Cubs' prospects Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant hit back-to-back-to-back homers on Tuesday. Here's the video, in case you missed it.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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