Jays Finalize Opening Day roster, cut Upton Jr and send Osuna to DL

The Toronto Blue Jays have finalized their Opening Day roster, releasing outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. and sending closer Roberto Osuna to the 10-day disabled list with a cervical spasm. 

After being acquired via trade by the Blue Jays at last season’s trade deadline, Upton disappointed the front office by hitting .196/.261/.318 in the last two months of the season. He continued that putrid pace through the spring, hitting just .194, leading to his release.

Osuna’s injury doesn’t seem major, though it’s unknown if it’s related to the back injury that forced him to miss some time in the playoffs last season. The injury is listed as a cervical spasm and the move to the DL is retroactive to March 30th, making Osuna eligible to return on April 8th.

Osuna was excellent last season, his first full year as the Jays’ closer, logging 36 saves with a 2.68 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 74 innings. Jason Grilli will likely finish games in Osuna’s absence, which may take longer than usual because of Osuna’s shortened spring.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey for Upton since signing a five-year, $75.5 million contract after the 2012 season, spending two unproductive years with the Braves before being traded to the Padres prior to the 2015 season.  He spent a season and a half in San Diego and looked to be rebuilding his value with a .259/.327/.429 slash line in an injury-shortened 2015 season, but wasn’t able to find that success with Toronto.  At 32 years old, Upton should be able to catch on with another big league team, but it seems his best days are behind him.