Spring notes: Joe Biagini hit hard, Dalton Pompey a late scratch

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Joe Biagini was hit hard and hit often on Sunday in Dunedin.

Biagini allowed five runs on four hits over just one and two-thirds innings, including two home runs in the second. He also walked two batters, which quickly ran his pitch count up to 48.

Most of the hard contact came against Biagini’s fastball, which he felt that hitters were sitting on as he tinkered with his other pitches.

“There are certain things you’re doing in spring that you wouldn’t normally take into the season with you,” Biagini said after his start, “but I also want to see the results of some of these things. Like how I’m adjusting the arm action in my changeup, how I’m trying to be more consistent with the height of my fastball.”

Biagini has also been working to quiet his delivery throughout the spring and speed up his pace on the mound.

“With the mechanics, I’ve been able to simplify, take a few things out, make it more streamlined,” Biagini said. “Because of that, I have more mental capacity to focus on other adjustments.”

Until the Blue Jays have a clearer timetable for Marcus Stroman, who is working his way back from shoulder inflammation, Biagini will remain stretched out as the team’s expected fifth starter. It’s possible he remains a starter beyond that, too, but manager John Gibbons does like what he offers in a bullpen role.

The Blue Jays continue Grapefruit League play at home on Monday against the Red Sox. After that, the Blue Jays don’t play at Dunedin Stadium again until Saturday against the Canadian Junior National Team.

Pompey a late scratch

Dalton Pompey was replaced in the lineup by Roemon Fields late Sunday morning and is dealing with wrist soreness. He received treatment and will again on Monday. Pompey is being considered day to day.

After injuries wiped out nearly all of his 2017, Pompey is expected to open the season with triple-A Buffalo and still has one option year remaining. Anthony Alford and Teoscar Hernandez have shown the Blue Jays more, however, which presents the Canadian with an uphill climb.

Latest on Seung-hwan Oh

Reliever Seung-hwan Oh is still waiting on his work visa from the United States government, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reported Sunday morning.

Oh’s signing was made official on February 26, but he is not able to pitch in official spring training games until his visa comes through. He is still able to be with the team and throw bullpen sessions, which he’s been doing in the meantime.