Right-handed pitcher Grant Rogers has added a curveball to his pitch repertoire prior to the 2026 season.

The curve gives Rogers an additional breaking ball in his big arsenal which features six other pitches, which includes: a splitter, a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, a cutter, a changeup, and a slider.

Rogers feels his cutter and breaking pitches are doing well so far in 2026, “My cutter has done really well,” explained Rogers. “I feel my slider is getting to a good point. The curveball has been really good for me. The curve is a new addition this year. Other than that it’s just a healthy mix.”

Pitching 49 innings so far in 2026; Rogers has 26 K’s and a WHIP of 1.43.

The righty is keeping all seven pitches in play this year with Triple-A Buffalo.

“I feel like they’re metrically moving well, it’s just getting them to the right spots that has been the problem with me,” stated Rogers. “I feel like I’m getting around to the part where it’s getting better.”

One thing that is helping Rogers improve is working with some new catchers this season in Buffalo.

“They know a lot more than me,” Rogers said of the catchers. “I trust them calling the game. When you get a new catcher, you get a new person to meet.”

The prospect is also getting help from some of his fellow starters, “I feel like the older guys are really good with me, as I’m one of the younger guys,” stated Rogers. “Josh Fleming has been really good for me to get information from. Chad Dallas is another one who has been helpful. It’s nice to have that.”

That extra information has helped Rogers attack hitters more at the Triple-A level.

“They’re good, they’re really good,” Rogers said of the Triple-A hitters. “You just have to make the pitches, the right pitches in the right spots. I’d say it’s a big difference compared to the lower levels. There’s a learning factor in there for sure.”

Currently working out of the starting rotation for Buffalo, Rogers feels he’s making steady improvements every outing.

“Yeah, I feel like every outing has a learning factor to it,” explained Rogers. “I definitely didn’t start out strong, just the improvements every week is a testament to my better outings.”

Rogers got a brief taste of what life would be like in Triple-A this year during spring training.

“Spring training was different this year,” said Rogers. “I only threw at the complex three times which is less than normal but I did get those three big league starts. That was pretty cool, spring training was fun. It was probably my best one, it went by super quick.”

Appearing in games against the Yankees, Tigers, and Mets this spring was beneficial for Rogers.

“I found out on a Thursday that I was pitching Tuesday against the Yankees,” Rogers added. “I was like, ‘alright, lets do it’ and I thought that one went well. The Tigers one went really well. The Mets one wasn’t so good. That was a good wake up call to get ready for Triple-A.”

Be sure to follow Grant Rogers this season, as he continues to develop his curveball and make steady improvements in Buffalo’s rotation.

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Brian Crawford

Brian has covered professional baseball for eight seasons for numerous media outlets.

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Infielder Dub Gleed has found a new home within the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization. Gleed, who was the return piece in the Leo Jimenez to Miami trade, is enjoying his new opportunity with High-A Vancouver.

“The Blue Jays’ have made it super-super easy,” said Gleed. “They’ve made the transition super smooth and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.”

Traded on March 29th, Gleed found out the news on his way to High-A Beloit.

“It was definitely a surprise somewhat,” stated Gleed. “I was actually halfway on my 20-hour drive to Beloit, Wisconsin, I was in Nashville when I got the call. It was definitely somewhat of a surprise but I was definitely excited when I found out.”

During the phone call, Gleed found out he was traded for major league second baseman Leo Jimenez.

“It was surreal finding that out,” Gleed added. “It was an honor, he’s a great player. So, just to be in that conversation, that the Blue Jays’ saw similar values in us was an honor – it was a very surreal moment.”

Currently slashing .262/.349/.421 with an OPS of .770 after 107 at-bats in 2026; Gleed talks about his plate approach.

“I’m just trying to do damage on any pitch I can handle,” explained Gleed. “I’m trying to get my A-swing off early and make hard contact.”

Playing at four levels last year in the Marlins’ system, Gleed skipped over High-A.

The prospect talks about what he has noticed from the pitchers in High-A, “They’re good,” stated Gleed. “They locate, they can throw multiple pitches for strikes, I’ve noticed the pitchers here are good but definitely different than other levels.”

Playing primarily at first base and third base this season with High-A Vancouver, Gleed feels comfortable at both positions.

“Those positions are probably the most comfortable I’m at I think last year I played a little bit of second as well,” explained Gleed. “In college, I played a little shortstop but the majority of the time I played first and third. The Blue Jays’ have really helped me develop at those positions in the short time I’ve been here.”

Gleed talks about how he prepares each day for first and third, “We have some early work depending on what position I’m playing will determine how I go about it,” stated Gleed. “Whether that’s picks, certain kinds of double plays but for the most part it’s pretty similar just getting my feet and hands going. I don’t want to be too stagnant, I want to be athletic at each position.”

Since joining the Blue Jays’ organization, Gleed has received extra instruction from Minor League Infield Coordinator Donnie Murphy.

“Donnie definitely knows his stuff which is awesome,” stated Gleed. “We had a little bit of a one-on-one talk, just about fielding, what he felt was best for me, and how I should field. I totally agree with him. I’ve been trying to ride with it and it’s going well.”

Gleed feels his footwork at first base has developed well over the years, “It was definitely something I had to get used to,” explained Gleed. “I really enjoy first, it was something that was new to me in college but I really like it.”

Dub’s given name is William but he prefers Dub, “Dub is actually a family name, it comes from my great-grandfather Dub,” said Gleed. “There are videos of my Dad calling me Dub in my Mom’s stomach. It’s all I’ve ever known, I’ve never really gone by William, I’ve only gone by Dub. Sometimes I don’t even answer to William because it doesn’t feel right. It has always been Dub, I’m very grateful for that.”

Welcome to the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization, Dub Gleed!

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Brian Crawford

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Left-handed pitcher Brendan Cellucci is using his over-the-top delivery out of Triple-A Buffalo’s bullpen.

Pitching 13 innings so far in 2026; Cellucci has 13 K’s, a WHIP of 1.69, and an ERA of 3.46.

Joining Buffalo in April, Cellucci talks about what he has noticed from the hitters that he has faced in Triple-A.

“Triple-A hitters seem to have a bit more experience and more of an approach,” stated Cellucci. “They’re looking for something specific when they step into the box.”

“I’ve noticed that Triple-A hitters are better at fighting off pitches,” Cellucci added. “They’re also better at laying off swing-and-miss pitches out of the zone.”

Currently using a four-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, a slider, and a sweeper; Cellucci talks about how he works off his fastball.

“I like to be aggressive with the fastball early in the zone,” explained Cellucci. “That way, I have the advantage when I throw my off-speed pitches later in the count.”

And speaking of off-speed pitches, the lefty talks about the difference between his slider and sweeper.

“My sweeper moves more east to west,” said Cellucci. “Whereas my slider is more gyro moving north to south.”

Coming out of the bullpen with a powerful over-the-top delivery and a tough on lefty hitter mindset is something Cellucci brings every night.

“I love facing lefties,” said Cellucci. “I like that I can feel like an athlete and come down on the ball very powerfully.”

Joining the organization as a minor league free agent in January was an easy transition for Cellucci.

“The transition to the Blue Jays’ was very smooth,” said Cellucci. “Everyone is extremely welcoming and the organization does everything they can to help you become the best version of yourself.”

Welcome, Brendan Cellucci!

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Infielder Josh Rivera is putting defense on display for Triple-A Buffalo.

Growing up playing every position, Rivera has narrowed his scope so far in pro ball.

Appearing in games at second base, third base, and shortstop since turning pro; Rivera takes pride in his ability to be a solid defender.

“They’re coming along well,” said Rivera. “I take a lot of pride in my defense. I know I can make plays, I’m trying to expand my range, so I can make more plays. But I also try to give myself grace in terms of not trying to make a play happen when there’s no play. I’m just trying to be someone everyone can rely on at every position – second, third, and short. I’m just kind of showing up to the field prepared for anything.”

A natural shortstop, Rivera has put extra work in at second base and third base.

“The footwork is different at each position I play,” explained Rivera. “The positioning is different. Being at second base on the right side of the field, it’s kind of a different angle. Getting more reps there, I’m getting more comfortable playing those positions which helps me grow confidence, it helps me know what to do in certain situations whether that’s double plays, first to third, double cuts; stuff like that. It always keeps me ready, it keeps me on my toes.”

The prospect prepares for each position with his daily drill work.

“It’s the drill work, we call them vitamins here because it’s an every day necessity,” stated Rivera. “In that drill work, I kind of focus my footwork around whatever position I’m playing that day. I have my normal routine of just regular groundball work, just basic footwork I like to do. Towards the end I kind of incorporate game stop movements to my drill work. I base that on whatever position I’m playing that night, so if I’m playing second base, the double play feeds are different. Instead of working left-to-right, I work right-to-left.”

Rivera is also working hard at the plate.

Currently slashing .220/.276/.429 with an OPS of .705 after 91 at-bats in 2026; Rivera talks about his extra production at the plate in Triple-A.

“I credit everyone I’ve worked with here with the Blue Jays’ organization,” explained Rivera. “Even in the off-season with the guy I hit with over at IMG Academy – John-Ford Griffin. Every time I get to work with them, or coming here and working with Matty Young and Trevor Cho. Those guys give me the confidence to go out there and just be me. I get my swing off of the box. I’m not really focused on results, I’m focused on the process, my at-bats are wrapped in the process, and enjoying the moment with my teammates. It’s being able to learn from my at-bats, learning from my mistakes, and help my teammates prepare for their at-bats.”

Moving up to Triple-A a year ago, Rivera talks about the transition between Double-A and Triple-A.

“I thought the game was faster in a sense of the game being clean all-around,” said Rivera. “Just between guys making good plays and guys making good pitches, they know how to locate their off-speed, they’re confident throwing their off-speed in any count. Being able to come up here and be more aggressive at the plate, and also be aggressive out there on defense, it was kind of easy to see how guys were attacking me. Whether I was on defense or at the plate, I had to focus on every pitch. It was a quick transition, it took a little bit to get used to, but I feel I was able to adjust quicker with the help of all of the older guys here in Triple-A.”

Rivera is currently sticking with the three positions but is open to playing others in the future.

As stated earlier, he learned every position growing up, thanks to the advice of his father.

“Yeah, growing up, my Dad wanted me to play every position,” stated Rivera. “And he always told me, ‘If I could play every position, there will always be an opportunity for me to play.’ I tried to do that. I played mostly infield growing up but I was able to get a few outfield reps in high school. Just being able to move to different positions, it helps with just knowing where I need to be. You know, I’m still learning with certain positions, as the game gets more complexed as we get older. It has been awesome to just be able to experience that. I play a couple games at second, go to third; just to get those different looks and different feels. It helps to know what I need that day for that position, so it has been fun.”

Be sure to follow Josh Rivera, as he continues to be a solid defender in the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization for years to come.

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Brian Crawford

Brian has covered professional baseball for eight seasons for numerous media outlets.

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Left-handed pitcher Kai Peterson is in his second season with Double-A New Hampshire. Peterson, who works exclusively out of the bullpen, enjoys his later inning role.

“I’m kind of just throwing whenever,” said Peterson. “There’s not too big of an emphasis on a role this year. It’s just get in the game whenever possible.”

The lefty loves coming in with the game on the line, “I like coming in whenever but especially the pressure situations,” Peterson added. “If there are runners on base, I really like that.”

Pitching 6 2/3 innings so far in 2026; Peterson has 8 K’s, a WHIP of 1.50, and an ERA of 4.05.

Using a two-pitch mix of: a 4-seam fastball, and a slider; Peterson is happy with the development of his slider this season.

“I think the slider has come a long way since previous years,” explained Peterson. “It’s now a pitch I can trust to throw in any count.”

Peterson is honing in on his repertoire this season, “I’m sticking with the two pitches, just trying to really dial them in,” Peterson added. “They’re working well, they tunnel well, so I’m sticking with them.”

The prospect talks about the hitters at the Double-A level.

“They’re just a little bit smarter,” stated Peterson. “Like they just have a better gameplan. Watching our hitters, it’s unbelievable this year. They have a gameplan, they’re staying on the attack with it, and they’re really punishing other teams with it.”

Peterson is building off of his time in the Arizona Fall League.

“That was an awesome experience,” Peterson said of the AFL. “I learned about routines, what some big leaguers do – since we had a few on the team. I loved learning from the other organizations on what I can add to my routine.”

Spending 7 weeks at home after the AFL season; Peterson worked out with TJ Nichols to prepare for the 2026 season.

“I had seven weeks at home,” stated Peterson. “Me and my buddy from high school TJ Nichols, he’s with the Rays, would go out and play catch almost every day. We both kind of worked through, what we needed to work through during the off-season.”

That preparation helped Peterson have a great spring in Dunedin.

“It was solid, it was definitely one of the better spring trainings I’ve had,” said Peterson. “It might be due to the shorter off-season but I was really happy with it.”

Although, it’s only May, Peterson took part in a memorable moment on April 28th, as he was the final pitcher in the Fisher Cats’ combined no-hitter.

“It was really cool,” explained Peterson. “Big credit to Patrick Winkel for catching all game, calling pitches, and navigating runners on base. Obviously, all of the other pitchers were really good. I was just out there hoping to not mess things up.”

With the next stop being Triple-A Buffalo, Peterson talks about what he needs to do to earn that promotion.

“I think it’s just staying on the attack with hitters,” stated Peterson. “I need to get in the zone a little bit more to make that jump.”

Be sure to follow Kai Peterson, as he continues to be a reliable bullpen arm in the Toronto Blue Jays’ system.

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Right-handed pitcher Pat Gallagher has made an adjustment to his delivery since joining Triple-A Buffalo.

Beginning the change, as a member of the Development List, Gallagher talks about the adjustment he has made to his delivery.

“We worked on some things mechanically,” said Gallagher. “In those two weeks, we worked on getting me into a position where my shoulders are tilted up a little bit and to really load my upper half.”

Focusing a lot on velocity since turning pro in 2022, the righty feels this adjustment is helping in that area.

“I think it has helped a lot,” Gallagher added. “When I’m out there pitching, I’m going to compete, but there are things to work on outside of the game. It has worked, and it feels good.”

Pitching 4 1/3 innings so far in 2026; Gallagher has 3 K’s, a WHIP of 1.15, and an ERA of 2.08.

The prospect is still using his five-pitch repertoire of: a 4-seam fastball, a sinker, a cutter, a curveball, and a splitter in 2026.

Gallagher feels some of his pitches are better metrically since joining Triple-A.

“Overall, yes, I’m using the same pitches, some are a little better metrically now,” explained Gallagher. “We’re also working on some mechanical fixes now, too. We’re hoping to add a couple ticks to the velo.”

Increasing velo has been a continual focus for Gallagher in pro ball.

“It has been an up-and-down journey for me,” stated Gallagher. “I think there have been seasons and times where it has gone up. But what I think makes me a good pitcher is my ability to get guys out, and my ability to win the mental game. I strive to be efficient out there and give the team more than two innings.”

Gallagher is incorporating his secondary pitches more early in counts since joining Triple-A.

“You got to get ahead, you have to stay ahead, and you have to mix in your secondary pitches early,” stated Gallagher. “With the guys you face at this level, you sometimes have to pitch backwards. You just have to realize that they can make adjustments faster than at Double-A. So, sometimes you can’t double up on a pitch, they’re able to make an adjustment where they can take a bad swing and turn it into a good swing. It’s important to be able to adapt and win the mental side.”

Currently in his second season of bullpen work, Gallagher is enjoying his new role.

“Yeah, I love coming out of the bullpen,” explained Gallagher. “I love that adrenaline dump I get when the coach calls my name, just being able to get ready soon and go in the game. That was something I had to get used to last year but I like it a lot.”

Being in Triple-A for a month, Gallagher talks about the transition it took to make the jump up from Double-A.

“It has been a little bit of an adjustment,” said Gallagher. “These hitters have very good approaches at the plate. They don’t swing at stuff out of the zone, so it’s about being ahead early. It’s the same game but its about putting guys away in the zone and locating your pitches very well.”

Getting a brief taste of major league camp this spring, Gallagher gained some valuable insight on bullpen preparation.

“I was able to pick guys brains in the bullpen,” stated Gallagher. “I’m trying to maximize who I am as a pitcher. I’m trying to continue to grow as a pitcher, so it was good to pick their brains, see how they prepare in the bullpen, their routines, when they start stretching; things like that. I was able to learn a lot.”

Now that Gallagher is only one call away from the show, he’s trying to keep everything in perspective, as a member of Buffalo’s bullpen.

“The goal is always to make it to the next level,” explained Gallagher. “But my goal is to be dominant here, to be present here, and to continue to grow as a pitcher. I’m trying to get these guys out and help my team win. That’s my goal for the season.”

Be sure to follow Pat Gallagher, as he continues to pitch well with his new mechanics.

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Brian Crawford

Brian has covered professional baseball for eight seasons for numerous media outlets.

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Infielder Josh Kasevich is making a serious push for a major league call-up at some point during the 2026 season.

After missing some time a year ago due to a fractured wrist, Kasevich is healthy again and is hitting well for Triple-A Buffalo.

“I feel really good,” said Kasevich. “I feel healthy, I’m ready to play.”

Slashing .283/.365/.424 with an OPS of .789 after 92 at-bats; Kasevich talks about the evolution of his plate approach in pro ball.

“It’s coming along great, it’s definitely a process there,” explained Kasevich. “I feel like every day it’s getting better and that’s the goal, I want to make sure I’m getting better every day when I come here.”

Appearing in games at second base, third base, and shortstop this season, Kasevich feels his defense is developing well.

“I feel like it’s great,” stated Kasevich. “Every day working with the coaches here, I’m creating a really good routine, and all of the stuff I do pregame allows the plays to show up during the game.”

The prospect got a brief taste of major league life, as a non-roster invitee to big league camp.

“It was unbelievable,” explained Kasevich. “Those guys are really helpful on the coaching standpoint for sure but also the player standpoint. Learning from some of the veteran guys like Daulton Varsho helped out a lot. Not even the hitting stuff but really the mental side of things on how to approach the game at a high level. The coaches are awesome. They use all of the resources they have to help you get better.”

Working with Varsho during his rehab last season, the prospect received valuable advice from the veteran outfielder.

“I worked with him in rehab last year, so he gave me a lot of perspective talks,” said Kasevich. “Just a lot of ways to make sure you’re getting better without putting a ton of strain on your body but still feel like you’re doing a lot, and doing enough where you feel like you’re ready to play.”

Spending his off-season training in Tampa Bay, Florida helped Kasevich prepare for 2026.

“I got married this off-season, that was the best thing in the world,” stated Kasevich. “We were down in the Tampa Bay area. I have a great facility there where I train with some guys I really like. They put together some strength programs, and a lot of movement stuff to get ready for the season.”

Despite his good numbers in Buffalo – Kasevich has bigger goals for the remainder of his 2026 season.

“I want to help the major league team win a championship,” said Kasevich. “I think that’s always the goal, so by coming here every day, I’m trying to get myself to a place where that can be a possibility.”

Be sure to follow Josh Kasevich, as he pushes for a major league call-up in 2026.

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Brian Crawford

Brian has covered professional baseball for eight seasons for numerous media outlets.

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