Former Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown bats against his old team during Grapefruit League play (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
When the Toronto Blue Jays signed former Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown, it was a near long shot that he would make the Opening Day roster. Competing with outfielders Ezequiel Carrera, Junior Lake, Dalton Pompey,and Darrell Ceciliani, Brown had to climb a long way in order to make the roster. The Blue Jays officially announced their 2016 Opening Day roster on Wednesday, and Brown was not on it.
In fact, when Blue Jays website Jays Journal wrote about the fourth outfielder's spot, Brown was not even mentioned:
Moments after announcing that the young Roberto Osuna will open the season as Toronto’s closer ahead of Drew Storen, manager John Gibbons named Ezequiel Carrera the club’s fourth outfielder.
Carrera had been in a training camp competition with Dalton Pompey (optioned earlier this month), Junior Lake, and Darrell Ceciliani.
Phillies fans are familiar with Ceciliani, who had a fine spring against the Phillies in 2016.
Brown's contract signed was for AAA Buffalo, so he will presumably report to AAA. Chances are that Ceciliani will get the call to the Major Leagues before Brown does if the Blue Jays need an outfielder. The good news for IronPigs fans is that they will see Brown, a fan favorite during his time in Lehigh Valley, 10 times this season if Brown stays with the Blue Jays organization.
