Blue Jays Quick Hits: Bud Norris, Dunedin Stadium, and more

Blue Jays news and notes from the morning of March 24, 2019, including a reported amount of Bud Norris’ retention bonus and the demolition of Dunedin Stadium.

Norris Gets $100k

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, Blue Jays RHP Bud Norris will be receiving $100,000 as a retention bonus in order to ensure he stays with the team despite not being added to the 40-man roster. Norris, 34, has pitched two scoreless innings thus far in spring training with one save and two strikeouts.

Tellez Heading to Buffalo

The Blue Jays have optioned first baseman Rowdy Tellez to Triple-A Buffalo to begin the season, per Blue Jays broadcaster Ben Wagner. Tellez, 24, slashed .280/.308/.600 in 50 at-bats this spring, adding five home runs to his totals.

Dunedin Stadium to be Demolished

Dunedin Stadium, the spring training home of the Blue Jays and the year-round home of the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays, was to be demolished Sunday, according to Mike Wilner of Sportsnet FAN 590. Dunedin Stadium was built in 1990.

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Blue Jays Sign Intl. FA Raudy Sanchez

According to the team’s official MLB transactions page, the Blue Jays have signed international free agent right-hander Raudy Sanchez to an entry-level, minor league contract. Sanchez, 18, hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and has no prior professional experience.

Buchholz “could be ready for rotation action by early April”

Right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz, who signed as a free agent with the Blue Jays on March 5th, could be ready to appear in games as early as mid-April, per Laura Armstrong of The Toronto Star. Buchholz, 34, is currently 35th among active players in games started.

Diaz Assigned to New Hampshire

RHP Yennsy Diaz, who just last week was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo from major league camp, has been optioned to Double-A New Hampshire. Diaz, 22, pitched to an ERA of 6.75 in 4.0 frames this spring, striking out three and allowing a home run in three outings.

Hudson Salary and Incentives Reported

New Blue Jay Daniel Hudson will earn $1.5 million in salary and can earn an additional $1.5 million in performance incentives, Davidi tweets. Hudson, 32, pitched to an ERA of 4.11 in 46.0 frames in 2018 with the Dodgers, striking out 44 and walking 18.