DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) - David Buchanan kept up his bid for a major league roster spot, striking two over two perfect innings Monday in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 6-3, rain-shortened win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
The game was called with one out in the top of the eighth.
Buchanan pitched for Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley last year and remains in the mix for a bullpen berth. He is to pitch Saturday in Philadelphia’s spring-training finale.
“Having the opportunity to throw at home in Philly with the team is just the dream come true,” Buchanan said. “I’m going to try to have fun. That’s what the game is about.”
Philadelphia loaded the bases in the second against Brandon Morrow, scoring on RBI grounders by Cody Asche and Cameron Rupp, then made it 4-0 in the fourth on Tony Gwynn Jr.’s sacrifice fly and Ben Revere’s run-scoring single.
Morrow gave up four runs, five hits and three walks in five innings. The right-hander is slated to pitch in the second of two exhibition games Saturday in Montreal against the New York Mets.
Blue Jays closer Casey Janssen, slowed by right shoulder soreness, allowed two hits during a scoreless seventh in his first big league exhibition game this year. He pitched in the minors Friday.
The plan is for Janssen to pitch on consecutive days Thursday and Friday.
WORLD TRAVELER
Matt Tuiasosopo made his first appearance with the Blue Jays, sandwiching a single between two strikeouts. He was claimed last week on waivers from Arizona, while the Diamondbacks were in Australia to play the Los Angeles Dodgers
The outfielder flew from Sydney to Tampa, with a stop in Dallas, a 15-hour flight. He arrived in Florida on Saturday night.
“Took a little bit to get adjusted yesterday,” Tuiasosopo said.
STARTING TIME
Blue Jays: Two candidates for the final rotation spot are to pitch Tuesday. J.A. Happ will face Pittsburgh, while Dustin McGowan will throw in a minor league game.
“It could come down to the wire,” manager John Gibbons said. “We’ll have a much better idea after tomorrow.”
Phillies: Buchanan has given up three runs and struck out 11 in 12 innings.
“I just like his consistency, and his ability to pitch down in the strike zone,” manager Ryne Sandberg said. “Throws four pitches for strikes. He’s shown a lot of maturity and stuff.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Blue Jays: Shortstop Jose Reyes, who left Saturday’s game due to left hamstring tightness, will have a precautionary MRI exam.
Gibbons has no concerns about Reyes being ready for opening day.
“Everybody feels it’s very mild and minor,” Gibbons said.
Outfielder Moises Sierra was scratched from the lineup because of flulike symptoms.
Phillies: Outfielder Bobby Abreu (sore left shoulder) could play Tuesday.
Cole Hamels (biceps) threw off a bullpen mound. He is expected to be out until late April.
MOVES:
Blue Jays: Ryan Goins was announced as the starting second baseman for the season. Goins will move to shortstop to fill in if Reyes is sidelined.
Gibbons said infielder Munenori Kawasaki will not make the opening-day roster and is set to start the season with Triple-A Buffalo.
“We like what he does,” Gibbons said. “Hopefully, if the need arises during the season, he’ll come up and join us.”
Outfielder Anthony Gose was optioned to Buffalo. Catcher Mike Nickeas, and infielders Chris Getz and Steve Tolleson were sent to the minor league camp.
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