Blue Jays release Melvin Upton Jr on eve of Opening Day

The Toronto Blue Jays are saying goodbye to Melvin Upton Jr, as the outfielder/infielder was released on Sunday.

Melvin Upton Jr has been told that he has been released by the #BlueJays, and is now headed home to Tampa. He will clear waivers Wednesday

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 2, 2017

Second baseman Ryan Goins appears to have secured the final roster spot ahead of Upton.

The timing of his release is interesting, given Upton hit a home run in Toronto’s final preseason game in Montreal on Saturday. But with Opening Day on Monday, the Jays were forced to finalize their roster, and with that comes tough decisions.

2017 #BlueJays #LetsRise pic.twitter.com/UERtMNZH42

— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) April 2, 2017

Upton was acquired from San Diego before the trade deadline last season, with the Padres agreeing to pick up most of his salary. The Jays only owed Upton $1 million of the 16.5 million left on his contract in 2017.

The Blue Jays also announced that they have placed Roberto Osuna on the 10-day disabled list because of cervical spasms. The former Vancouver Canadians pitcher is still dealing with neck issues since he returned from the World Baseball Classic. His pitches saw a drop in velocity during spring training, something you don’t expect with a 22-year-old fireballer. He pitched Friday night in Montreal and looked find, but must have felt some discomfort afterwards.

See also

• Blue Jays sign John Gibbons to 2-year contract extension
• 9 things to expect from the Blue Jays in 2017
• Has Father Time caught up to Blue Jays' Bautista?