Blue Jays summon three non-roster invitees to Spring Training.
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The Blue Jays have invited three more non-rostered players to spring training.
Pitcher Andrew Bash and catchers Robert Brooks and Matt Whatley have all received invitations to join the team in Dunedin.
With these additions, the total number of non-roster invitees now stands at 27.
Although none of the three players have major league experience, all have found success at other levels.
Of the three, Bash has the most intriguing career path.
A former standout at California Baptist University, Bash was originally selected by the Angels in the 30th round of the 2019 draft. After a strong debut season, he was left without a team when MLB condensed its minor league system.
Following that, Bash returned to CBU and had a successful stint with the Missoula PaddleHeads, an independent Pioneer League team, before signing with the Blue Jays in 2021.
In 27 appearances for Triple-A Buffalo last season, he went 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA and made 16 starts. If he performs well, Bash could have an outside shot at earning a bullpen spot.
Brooks was initially signed by the Rays after playing in collegiate summer leagues. However, the Rays released him after one season in Rookie Ball. After a brief stint with the Staten Island FerryHawks, the Blue Jays picked him up, and he spent 2024 between New Hampshire and Buffalo.
Whatley, who was signed by the Blue Jays on Wednesday, was a third-round pick by the Rangers in 2017. Although he spent the last two years in Triple-A, he elected free agency after the 2024 season and spent the final month of the year playing in the Dominican Winter League.
While Whatley is known for his solid defense, he has a career .221 batting average across six minor league seasons.
While it is unlikely that any of the three will break camp with the Blue Jays, they are valuable depth signings for the team as they continue to fill out their minor league rosters.
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