Blue Jays option three players to the minors

According to Ben Nicholson- Smith of Sportsnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have optioned Thomas Pannone, Jacob Waguespack, and Santiago Espinal to their Triple-A affiliate.

Even amid the Coronavirus pandemic, the Blue Jays are still making moves as they continue to tinker with their roster in anticipation of when baseball resumes. The team optioned pitchers Thomas Pannone and Jacob Waguespack along with infielder Santiago Espinal to the Buffalo Bisons.

Pannone struggled last season in 37 appearances which included seven starts for the pitching starved Blue Jays. The southpaw posted a 3-6 record with an inflated 6.16 earned run average while surrendering 13 home runs in 73 innings of work.

The 25-year old had a decent spring training issuing just one earned run in five relief appearances, however, he will need to prove he can do that on a consistent basis before a return to the majors is warranted.

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Waguespack was in competition for the fifth and final rotation spot but he was behind Trent Thornton, Ryan Borucki and Shun Yamaguchi on the depth chart heading into Grapefruit League action. The 26-year old made his MLB debut last season after the Blue Jays acquired him in the summer of 2018 from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Aaron Loup.

The right-hander made 16 appearances including 13 starts in 2019 going 5-5 with a respectable 4. 38 earned run average in his first taste of the majors. This spring, Waguespack did not surrender a run in 5.1 innings of work while striking out seven. Expect to see him back in the majors at some point this season.

Espinal was one of the bright spots this spring proving he belongs while climbing the organizational depth chart. The 25-year old hit .417 with 10 hits including three homers, three doubles and a triple in 26 plate appearances this spring.

The infielder has yet to make his MLB debut and was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Steve Pearce trade. Espinal may have a bright future north of the border if the team can find a position for him.