Brett Cecil progressing through first steps of return

The 29-year-old Brett Cecil pitched just 10.1 innings before landing on the 15-day disabled list with a left triceps strain

Brett Cecil is on his way back to Toronto, eventually, and the journey continued yesterday with a simulated game against a group of recent Blue Jays draft picks and extended spring training players.

Cecil last pitched on May 14th, which had been his first action in 11 days as the Blue Jays tried to avoid this DL stint. The lefty held a 5.23 ERA over the small 2016 sample, but his return will be critical to balancing a Toronto bullpen that is still in a state of transition.

Aaron Loup, Chad Girodo, Pat Venditte, and Ryan Tepera have been cycled through in an attempt to provide the Jays with a steady left-hander (despite only 2.5 of them being left-handed).

Cecil’s return, once he’s able to work back to not only full health but full effectiveness, would potentially resemble the arrival of Jason Grilli as it allowed all other relievers to shift into more natural and expected roles.

From Cecil’s side, a quick return and strong second half is also critical while he enters his free agent walk year – the first opportunity he’s had to do so.

Next: Blue Jays stretching out Goins into super-utility role

Earning $3.8 million this season and coming off a long stretch in late-2015 where he was arguably baseball’s most dominant reliever, Cecil could easily set himself up for a substantial payday. Especially given his handedness. This injury, however, means that Cecil must find his stride even sooner.

Returning at full strength could also aid Cecil in recapturing his full velocity from last season, which he sat just shy of through April and early May.