Cecil (shoulder) is not expected to pitch in a spring game for at least a week, the National Post reports. An MRI revealed inflammation in one of the rotator cuff muscles in Cecil's left shoulder, which he suggested was the result of throwing too hard too soon after recovering from the flu. He is on anti-inflammatory medication and the pain is said to be dissipating already, but according to Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star, manager John Gibbons suggested the missed time for Cecil could affect Aaron Sanchez's situation.

Cecil did not throw his scheduled inning in Friday's spring game due to minor soreness in his shoulder, Sportset's Shi Davidi reports. Manager John Gibbons said the Blue Jays "don't think (Cecil's injury) is a big deal," but it's worth keeping an eye on his status given that he is dealing with an arm injury. Expect the Blue Jays to update his status at some point in the next few days.

Cecil has the makeup to close, but may not be the team's closer according to manager John Gibbons, John Lott of the National Post reports. Cecil was excellent as a setup man last season, appearing in 66 games while recording 24 holds and five saves. He has electric stuff, recording 76 strikeouts in 53.1 innings while posting a 2.70 ERA. If Cecil wins the job out of camp, the lefty will be a worthwhile draft pick, but even if he doesn't end up as the ninth inning man, Cecil has value due to his high strikeout rate.

Cecil was sent home Monday as he is dealing with a stomach bug, SportsNet's Barry Davis reports. This does not sound like anything major, and he should be back on the mound in the near future. The Jays announced Monday that a decision about Aaron Sanchez's role would be made by mid-March, and since Cecil's value is so closely hinged to Sanchez, this will also be a big announcement for Cecil's owners. If Sanchez is declared a reliever for the start of 2015, he will likely be the closer, meaning Cecil's value will take a hit, but if Sanchez is named a starter, Cecil would appear to have the inside track at closing games for Toronto.

Cecil may be positioned to open the year as the Blue Jays' closer if Aaron Sanchez is needed to contribute in the back of the rotation, the Toronto Globe & Mail reports.The uncertainty with Sanchez's role makes it difficult to price Cecil going into the 2015 season. Sanchez was completely dominant last season after moving to the bullpen upon promotion to Toronto, but Cecil has a better track record than the other options currently available to compete for the job if Sanchez is used as a starter. Steve Delabar and Aaron Loup could also become options for the ninth inning at some point, but Cecil would be the favorite if Sanchez is used as a starter.

Cecil and the Blue Jays agreed to a one-year, $2.475 million contract to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. Cecil and Aaron Sanchez appear to be the two leading candidates for the closer's role in Toronto, and Cecil's left-handedness won't necessarily work against him. The 28-year-old had significant reverse platoon splits in 2014, with peripherals that support the surprising development.

Cecil may have an opportunity to compete for the closer's job during spring training, but manager John Gibbons said that he likes having two lefties available in a setup role, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports. Cecil can miss bats at a good clip (32.5% K% last season), but he had a career-high 11.5% walk rate and finished with a 1.37 WHIP after a breakout campaign in the bullpen in 2013. It should be noted, however, that Cecil fared well against right-handed hitters, including a reverse platoon split last season with a .210/.315/.254 line against them. The Blue Jays' plans for Aaron Sanchez may also factor in the decision regarding who will close for the team in 2015, and it remains possible that a trade will bring an established ninth-inning option into the mix.

Cecil picked up the save Wednesday after recording the final four outs of the Jays' win over Boston. Casey Janssen was roughed up Tuesday, while appearing in a game for the third time in four days. Cecil was positioned to benefit from Janssen's absence, and the save is his fifth of the season.

Blue Jays activated LHP Brett Cecil from the 15-day disabled list. Cecil has been on the shelf since mid-June with a groin injury. The left-hander holds a 3.51 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings this season for the Blue Jays.

Brett Cecil (groin) will be activated from the disabled list on Friday. Cecil has been on the shelf since mid-June with a groin injury but has been cleared to return after making two rehab appearances with no issues. The left-hander holds a 3.51 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings this season.