Alan Roden

Roden has gone 1-for-5 with an RBI through two games to open his big-league career. The 25-year-old rookie appears poised to continue playing regularly for Toronto in a corner outfield role, but will cede the occasional start when bench outfielders Nathan Lukes or Davis Schneider need to get in the lineup. He's worthy of a speculative roster spot in deeper mixed leagues considering his extensive track record in the upper minors as a high batting average contributor and strong power/speed source.

Morton evaded trouble over the first few innings despite the Blue Jays making plenty of hard contact. Then, the dam finally broke in the fourth when he let the first four that he faced to reach base and then was pulled after an Alan Roden sacrifice fly. It was a bit of a surprise to see the Orioles go after Morton this offseason after the horrible second half he had last season with the Braves and this start was more of the same struggles. His fastball command was erratic and his curveball didn't miss many bats. Overall, 12 of the 14 balls in play by the Blue Jays were hard hit and they never seemed uncomfortable in the box against Morton. It will not get easier for him in his next start scheduled against the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays confirmed their Opening Day roster this morning, and in the process announced that they have designated three right-handed pitchers for assignment: Zach Pop, Nick Robertson, and Tommy Nance. The three DFAs make room for right-hander Jacob Barnes and outfielders Alan Roden and Myles Straw on the 40-man roster. The Blue Jays had…

Toronto cleared out three spots on their 40-man roster to make room for outfielders Alan Roden and Myles Straw in addition to veteran reliever Jacob Barnes. No real surprises here, but Pop should garner some interest on the waiver wire as a viable middle relief option.

The 25-year-old rookie made the team with a strong spring training and now seems to be a regular starter against right-handed pitching. He will hit ninth, which will limit his counting stats upside, but Roden slashed .293/.391/.475 in 125 minor league games last year with 16 home runs and 14 steals, so there is some immediate deep league viability here. The rest of the Blue Jays lineup is: Bo Bichette SS, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B, Anthony Santander LF, Andres Gimenez 2B, Alejandro Kirk C, George Springer CF, Will Wagner DH, Ernie Clement 3B, Alan Roden RF.