Roden, Straw show mettle in push for outfield jobs

Alan Roden is proving he's up for the challenge. Myles Straw is showing he can also hang at the big-league level. 

Alan Roden is proving he’s up for the challenge. Myles Straw is showing he can also hang at the big-league level.

The Toronto Blue Jays outfielders have been in the spotlight for different reasons in recent weeks and their strong pre-season play has left team brass with some tough decisions to make ahead of the club’s season opener.

Roden and Straw, both non-roster invitees, have posted impressive numbers in Grapefruit League play and have made the battle for the fourth outfielder spot an interesting one.

George Springer, Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho are expected to be the regular starters with Joey Loperfido, Davis Schneider, Jonatan Clase, Steward Berroa and Nathan Lukes also in the mix.

Varsho has been limited to designated hitter duties as he builds up his throwing arm after shoulder surgery last September. It remains unclear if he’ll be ready for the March 27 opener against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

That uncertainty has left the door open for potential opportunity.

Roden, 25, was singled out by Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins during a media availability at the start of training camp. Atkins said he’d put some pressure on him for this year and listed the outfielder’s many attributes.

“It’s cool to be recognized by him and it’s an excellent opportunity,” said Roden, who’s listed as Toronto’s fifth-ranked prospect by MLB. “I’ll do the most that I can to take advantage.”