Blue Jays make huge round of roster cuts from big league Spring Training camp

The Toronto Blue Jays have made the most significant round of roster cuts to the big league Spring Training roster yet, as 11 players have been reassigned/optioned to minor league camp.

Catchers: Phil Clarke, Andres Sosa

Infielders: Addison Barger, Ernie Clement

Outfielders: Zach Britton, Wynton Bernard

Right-handed pitchers: Julian Fernández, Drew Hutchison, Jackson Rees

Left-handed pitchers: Brandon Eisert, Paul Fry

Of the bunch, the demotion of Addison Barger is obviously the most surprising. All along his inclusion on the Opening Day roster had felt like a longshot but his bat looked good in spring and his positional versatility has been impressive as well.

Instead, he will go down to Triple-A for everyday at-bats and to hone in on his outfield skills. He will surely be back at some point this season.

Other than that, most of these names were widely expected to miss out on the Opening Day roster. Wynton Bernard has looked good in Spring Training games, showing off his wheels on the bases and scoring seven runs in the process.

Zach Britton had been hitting well, too, but he is another player that needs consistent playing time. He hit two huge home runs in Spring Training and gives the club even more versatility as he plays catcher and both corner outfield spots at passable rates.

Ernie Clement, only just signed to a minor league deal, will report to Triple-A and give the club yet another utility option who doesn't have much of a bat to speak of. He profiles a lot like Otto Lopez in that he can play all over the diamond, doesn't have a ton of pop, and is quick on the bases.

On the pitching side of things, Drew Hutchison and Paul Fry were the closest possibilities to crack the big league roster. Since neither of them are on the 40-man roster, they felt like longshots. Hutchison has a ton of history with the club and could conceivably make it to the big leagues if enough injuries arise. Fry is a left-handed relief option who is only a few years removed from being a decent bullpen arm for the Orioles.