Spring Training C’s: Week 3
With Spring Training well past the halfway point, it’s getting close to crunch time for the Blue Jays as they make their final roster decisions before Opening Day. As the final week of Grapefruit League action kicks off today, these four former Canadians stood out over the last spate of
With Spring Training well past the halfway point, it’s getting close to crunch time for the Blue Jays as they make their final roster decisions before Opening Day. As the final week of Grapefruit League action kicks off today, these four former Canadians stood out over the last spate of games in Florida.
LHP Mason Fluharty (2022-23) – Spring Training stats: 4G, 0-0, 1 HLD, 4.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, 7 K
With multiple MLB seasons and playoff experience already under his belt, Fluharty is going to be a key cog in the Blue Jays’ bullpen machine in 2026. He looks ready to go; the lefty has racked up seven punchouts in 4.2 innings of work and has yet to walk a batter. The Lewes, DE native was a fifth round pick in 2022 out of Liberty and made his pro debut with the C’s that same year.
INF Leo Jimenez (2022) – Spring Training stats: 10G, 5-18, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB, SB
2026 is a pivotal year for Jimenez, who has long been considered one of the best infielders in the organization but has been hampered by multiple injuries over the last few seasons. Following a brief WBC sojourn with Team Panama, the 24-year-old has a hit in two of the four games he’s appeared in since his return to Blue Jays camp and has reached base in six of his 10 spring games. After appearing in the big leagues over parts of the last two campaigns, Jimenez – if healthy – is a likely candidate for a bench role when camp breaks next week.
UTL Riley Tirotta (2022-23) – Spring Training stats: 19G, 7-30, 4 2B, HR, 5 R, 2 RBI, 5 BB
A fixture in the starting lineup or off the bench in nearly every Blue Jays game this spring, Tirotta has gotten better and better with each passing week down south. The South Bend, IN native has a hit in four of the last seven games he’s received at least one at bat and has raised his spring average over 100 points since the end of February. He clubbed his first homer of the year on March 10 against Atlanta and a double on March 14 against Detroit to raise his OPS to .965 since camp got started. He’s a dark horse candidate to earn a bench role in the big leagues at some point this year.
The 2026 season celebrating 75 years of Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium begins on April 3 and Opening Night at The Nat is set for April 7. For tickets and more information, call 604-872-5232, visit CanadiansBaseball.com or follow the C’s on social via @vancanadians.