Author | Drew Silva

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca has the breaking news: The Toronto Blue Jays expect Brett Lawrie to be ready for opening day, but a mild strain near the third baseman’s 10th rib and left intercostal muscle forced him to withdraw from Canada’s entry to the World Baseball Classic on Friday. Lawrie, a native of Langley, British…

March 7, 2013, 6:28 pm EST via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

Russ Canzler was designated for assignment by the Indians last month and promptly claimed by Toronto. But now the 26-year-old is returning to Cleveland. According to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, the Tribe claimed Canzler on Wednesday back from the Blue Jays, designating right-hander Jeanmar Gomez for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster. Canzler batted…

January 2, 2013, 6:52 pm EST via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

We’re finally nearing the finish line, folks. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Mets and Blue Jays have agreed “in principle” on a seven-player trade that will send knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a (non-elite) prospect to Toronto in exchange for catcher Travis d’Arnaud, right-handed pitcher Noah Syndergaard, catcher John Buck…

December 16, 2012, 2:08 pm EST via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

UPDATE, 8:58 PM: Olney says the 12-player trade might not be finalized until sometime Wednesday. UPDATE, 7:49 PM: Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel adds that right-handed prospect Anthony DeSclafani is going to Miami. That’s the final piece of the puzzle. Here’s the breakdown: BLUE JAYS GET: SS Jose Reyes RHP Josh Johnson LHP…

November 13, 2012, 6:13 pm EST via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

Here is Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun: The Jays called to inquire about the market price for former Jays right-hander, free agent Shaun Marcum, who went 20-11 with a 3.60 ERA in 44 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers in two seasons after being dealt for Brett Lawrie. Marcum is only 30 years old and…

November 11, 2012, 2:40 pm EST via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm has the update: The Blue Jays’ search for a new manager temporarily will be put on hold this week while Alex Anthopoulos attends the annual General Managers Meetings in Palm Springs, Calif. The meetings are set to run from Wednesday until Friday, which means for at least a few days the quest…

November 6, 2012, 8:59 pm EST via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

Veteran left-handed reliever Darren Oliver was said to be considering retirement earlier this month. But that apparently won’t be happening. According to beat writer Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com, the Blue Jays exercised Oliver’s $3 million club option on Wednesday. They also re-signed outfielder Rajai Davis to a one-year, $2.5 million deal after declining his $3…

October 31, 2012, 6:27 pm EDT via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

Shi Davidi of Canada’s Sportsnet says the Blue Jays’ search for a new manager is being treated as a “tightly held secret.” But there are some hints. Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach is expected to interview, as are Orioles third base coach DeMarlo Hale, Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. and Blue Jays third…

October 28, 2012, 2:23 pm EDT via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

All the pieces of the puzzle that’ll make John Farrell the next manager of the Red Sox are now in place. Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports that Boston will receive right-handed reliever David Carpenter along with their new skipper in exchange for middle infielder Mike Aviles. Farrell has already signed a three-year contract with the Sox…

October 21, 2012, 2:08 pm EDT via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

From Sean McAdam of CSN New England comes word that the Red Sox have hired current Blue Jays skipper John Farrell to be their next manager. Farrell has already worked out a contract with Boston that will run through 2015. Compensation for Toronto will be announced in the next couple days. The Red Sox interviewed…

October 20, 2012, 11:28 pm EDT via hardballtalk.nbcsports.com