Blue Jays trim roster optioning two players to their taxi squad

The Toronto Blue Jays were forced to trim their roster to 28-players optioning both Santiago Espinal and Jacob Waguespack to their taxi squad.

As per the new MLB rules, active rosters were reduced from 30 to 28 players forcing the Blue Jays to make a pair of moves. The team opted to play it safe optioning two players with options rather than chance running someone through waivers.

Infielder Santiago Espinal and pitcher Jacob Waguespack were both sent packing to the alternate training site, however, both players remain on the taxi squad and could be back with the team in short order.

With the current state of some COVID stricken organizations, a number of teams have multiple available roster spots and are ready to pounce on anything that hits the wire. The Marlins already claimed pitcher Brian Moran from the Jays earlier last week. There is zero chance someone like Anthony Alford would have cleared waivers at this point in time.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah on pace to succeed in possible postseason
• Blue Jays: Bradley Zimmer has carved himself a valuable role
• Anthony Bass has been the shutdown reliever the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time

Espinal has seen action in five contests this season recording a single and a stolen base in 11 plate appearances. The 25-year old made his MLB debut earlier this season spending time at both third base and shortstop thus far. The slick-fielding infielder was acquired from the Red Sox in the Steve Pearce trade back in 2018.

Waguespack has made three relief appearances fanning four batters without allowing a run thus far this season. The right-hander made 16 appearances for the Blue Jays last season including 13 starts posting a 5-5 record with a 4.38 earned run average while fanning 7.3 hitters per nine innings. The 26-year old also came to Toronto via the trade route when he was flipped for pitcher Aaron Loup at the trade deadline in 2018.

Both players were optioned as a result of having options available not necessarily because they were performing poorly. Look for both to be back on the active roster as soon as skipper Charlie Montoyo requires reinforcements.