Yesterday I looked at the expected assignments for hitters coming out of spring training. Today I will look at the starting pitchers. Usually to start the season there will be at least one starter per two teams that is on the DL so for some teams I will list six starters.
Toronto
RA Dickey
Mark Buehrle
Brandon Morrow
Drew Hutchison
JA Happ
Esmil Rogers
Obviously this is the big question in spring training. If Rogers or Happ are the "losers" they will be on the DL or in the bullpen. I don't think Hutchison will be the odd man out here but if he is he will start in AAA.
Buffalo
One of the challenges in filling out the Buffalo rotation is understanding what will happen guys like Todd Redmond who are out of options. Will he pass through or will he be claimed?
Todd Redmond
Marcus Stroman
Sean Nolin
Kyle Drabek
Ricky Romero
Deck McGuire
I don't know if the Jays will continue to use Drabek in a starting role, based on his two TJ surgeries. I am also not sure if Deck McGuire will be a starter or converted to the bullpen. Given McGuire's strong finish to last season I think he might get a shot to start again. If the Bisons need another starter I can see one of the minor league free agents getting the job, Mike Broadway, Brian Moran or Liam Hendricks. Randy Boone is another option for a fifth starter.
New Hampshire
Aaron Sanchez
Tomo Okha
Marcus Walden
Austin Bibbens-Dirkx
Scott Copeland
Copeland would be in danger of being bumped if a starter was sent down from AAA or if one of the minor league free agents was given a spot. Casey Lawrence will challenge Copeland for the 5th spot.
Dunedin
Daniel Norris
Taylor Cole
Matt Boyd
Kendall Graveman
Casey Lawrence
Jesse Hernandez
It is unclear what role the Jays foresee for Gravemen so he is a wild card here. Otherwise it is many of the same names that ended the 2013 season in Dunedin plus Daniel Norris.
Lansing
To me the Lansing staff will be the most interesting to see when it is announced. The Jays have many good strong young pitchers who will be competing for the jobs.
Chase DeJong
Tom Robson
Jairo Labourt
Shane Dawson
Alberto Tirado
Zak Wasilewski
Jeremy Gabryszwski
Colton Turner
Alonzo Gonzalez
The first six would piggy-back over the first few months of the season. The other three would battle for the last two spots.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20140307111207671