Smoak, Tolleson make club as roster takes shape

3/27/15: Justin Smoak smacks a two-run home run to center field, bringing home Dalton Pompey and increasing the Blue Jays' lead to 4-1

Here's a rundown of the other news that came out of Spring Training on Tuesday:

Justin Smoak made the team and will begin the year as the club's starting first baseman. That decision allows Edwin Encarnacion to open the season as a designated hitter, but it's still likely the veteran slugger will get some occasional time at first.

The Blue Jays optioned catcher Josh Thole to Triple-A Buffalo, which means Russell Martin will be behind the plate for all of R.A. Dickey's starts. Dioner Navarro assumes the backup role and it's possible he'll also start some games at DH when Encarnacion slides over to first.

TOR@BAL: Tolleson takes Chen deep to left-center

3/25/15: Steve Tolleson lines a solo home run off of Wei-Yin Chen to left-center field, giving the Blue Jays a two-run lead

Utilityman Steve Tolleson was informed that he has made the team. Tolleson will begin the year as a backup infielder and outfielder and his versatility should be crucial with the club likely starting the season with an eight-man bullpen. The decision to use Tolleson plus eight relievers likely means that Ryan Goins will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in the coming days.

Kevin Pillar was named the starting left fielder until Michael Saunders is able to return from a left-knee injury. Saunders has yet to be officially placed on the disabled list, but he has been ruled out for Opening Day. Saunders likely won't be ready until at least the Blue Jays' home opener on April 13 vs. Tampa Bay.

The Blue Jays have yet to make a final call on their bullpen as general manager Alex Anthopoulos left the door open for possible additions from outside the organization in the coming days. That may put Liam Hendriks' and Todd Redmond's spot into question, but another pitcher who was on the bubble, prospect Roberto Osuna, confirmed via Twitter Tuesday evening that he had made the team.

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Smoak, Tolleson make club as roster takes shape