Morrow to Start Season on DL; Lawrie to Vegas

Our worst fears have been confirmed. And no, it's not that global warning isn't a hoax.

This morning, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that Brandon Morrow will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23, due to inflammation in his right elbow, according to Gregor Chisolm.

Darn! Just when the competition for the final two rotation spots was getting compelling.

Oh yeah, and I guess losing Morrow, who has a history of arm trouble, is a little disconcerting as well.

This means that Kyle Drabek, Jesse Litsch, and Jo-Jo Reyes will get an extended audition for a spot in the rotation that will likely translate to one regular season start each.

While this shouldn't be cause for concern at the moment -- operative term: at the moment -- it is disappointing to see your projected #2 starter go down this late in Spring Training. And it just so happened to be on the same day that Brett Lawrie is officially handed his walking papers. That being said, the 21-year-old third-basemen posted solid numbers this spring, and really opened some eyes during his time in camp.

Over 39 Grapefruit League at-bats, Lawrie posted an average of .282 with two homeruns and six RBIs while adding three stolen bases. While his chances of making the big-league club were admittedly slim, it's not unreasonable to speculate that had he not suffered a 1/12 mini-slump over his last seven games in Dunedin, his case would have been decisively stronger.

For now, Lawrie will continue to refine his defensive skills at the hot corner under the desert sun with the 51s. Their season is set to begin April 7 in Fresno against the Grizzlies.

Your mother told you there'd be days like these, Jays fans.