Blue Jays Game Thread with updates on Casey Janssen, Neil Wagner and more

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ attempts to redeem himself tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies. Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

J.A. Happ (0-0, 4.15 ERA) starts tonight for the Toronto Blue Jays in what will be his first appearance since April 23rd. He faces off against former teammate Kyle Kendrick (0-2, 3.52 ERA) who had his last scheduled start skipped after it was rained out on April 30 and hasn’t pitched since April 24.

Happ has barely thrown this season but will be looking to reclaim a rotation spot after news that Brandon Morrow will be out for at least two months with a right index finger strain.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, closer Casey Janssen will make his first rehab appearance tonight for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The plan is to give him four to five appearances and allow him to work on back-to-back days before he returns to the Blue Jays.

Neil Wagner has been placed on the DL retroactive to May 3 with a right forearm strain the team announced on Twitter. Many fans were wondering why the Blue Jays decided to call up Marcus Stroman instead of Wagner to help with the bullpen so we now have our answer. Forearm strains aren’t fun and are often an early indication of elbow trouble… fingers crossed for the flame-throwing righty.

Speaking of Stroman, he was recently named to Baseball America’s All Prospect Team: April Edition. Kevin Pillar was also named the International League’s offensive player of the week by Minor League Baseball.

Barry Davis of Sportsnet says that catcher Dioner Navarro will be available to pinch hit and has no issues squatting behind the plate. The only thing he can’t do is run so could we see R.A. Dickey pinch-running for Navarro if his number is called again tonight?

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup:

Jose Reyes SS
Melky Cabrera LF
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
Juan Francisco 3B
Brett Lawrie 2B
Colby Rasmus CF
Josh Thole C
J.A. Happ P

Philadelphia Phillies Lineup:

Ben Revere CF
Freddy Galvis SS
Chase Utley 2B
Marlon Byrd RF
Ryan Howard 1B
Carlos Ruiz C
John Mayberry LF
Jayson Nix 3B
Kyle Kendrick P