The Toronto Blue Jays optioned starting pitcher prospect Jake Bloss to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. Bloss' name had been mentioned as a possible candidate to fill the fifth rotation spot in the event that Max Scherzer (thumb) would not be ready for Opening Day, but it looks like Yariel Rodriguez would have the inside track for the job at this point, if needed at all. Scherzer's bullpen session went well on Thursday, so perhaps this move is an indication that they expect the veteran to be ready. Either way, Bloss will need to bide his time in Triple-A until the Jays need another arm. Left-handed pitcher Josh Walker was also optioned to Buffalo.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher prospect Jake Bloss may be an option to fill the fifth rotation spot that could be made available by the absence of veteran Max Scherzer (thumb) if his thumb issue lingers or turns out to be worse than initially thought. Bloss has made four appearances this spring, albeit without stellar results. The former third-rounder's latest appearance was his best yet, tossing three innings of shutout ball, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out five batters. The Jays' sixth-ranked prospect had success in the Astros' organization, pitching to a 1.91 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 16.3 percent K-BB% over 19 starts (84 2/3 IP), but hasn't fared so well in his three starts in the majors or with Jays' Triple-A affiliate (6.91 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 7.6 percent K-BB%). The 6-foot-3 hurler would be under consideration for the role of fifth starter along with Yariel Rodriguez who made 21 starts for Toronto last season but who also hasn't shown well this spring.