SARASOTA, Fla. – Charlie Morton will start the second game of the season on March 28 against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Two-thirds of the rotation is confirmed.
Zach Eflin is the Opening Day starter on March 27. Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano, who pitches tonight, will slot further down.
Morton, 41, has tossed six scoreless innings in his three spring starts. He signed a $15 million contract in January and is entering his 18th major league season.
“He’s been everything,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He’s been an amazing influence on our team so far already. Just with his interactions with guys. He’s throwing the ball extremely well, he looks great. That’s just Charlie Morton.
“The stuff he’s thrown out every time out has been really good. He’s brought a lot to our team already.”
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson worked out again today and is taking batting practice, but he hasn’t played since Feb. 27 due to a strained right intercostal. Four exhibition games remain after tonight, including Monday afternoon in D.C.
“We’re still hopeful, but we are running out of time right now,” Hyde said. “We haven’t made a final decision on that.”
Livan Soto could head to Toronto if Henderson isn’t ready. He’s 15-for-37 (.405) with a .990 OPS in 15 games and he’s able to play shortstop. Vimael Machín’s best position is second base.
Félix Bautista hasn’t appeared in a game since Friday against the Twins, but he’s thrown on the back fields. His status also remains uncertain.
Hyde said “no” when asked whether he’s confident that Bautista will be on the Opening Day roster.
“We’re still talking about our roster,” Hyde added. “We haven’t solidified anything there yet.”
There’s a possibility that a third bullpen spot opens if Bautista is removed from it and Albert Suárez replaces Grayson Rodriguez in the rotation.
Andrew Kittredge will go on the injured list and could miss at least two months after undergoing cartilage repair surgery on his left knee.
Rodriguez played catch for the second time, following up Tuesday’s flat-ground session.
Corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera said his left shoulder is feeling better but he remains unavailable to play. He wasn’t expected to make the team and he’s out of options.
Relievers behind Sugano tonight include Keegan Akin, Matt Bowman and Seranthony Domínguez.
Eflin makes his final exhibition start Saturday afternoon against the Pirates – and Paul Skenes again – in Bradenton.
