The Blue Jays informed Pearson (illness) on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pearson reported to camp prepared to compete for a starting role, though the bullpen always seemed to be his most realistic path to a roster spot after the Blue Jays added Kevin Gausman and Yusei Kikuchi in free agency to fill out their rotation. The 25-year-old appeared to be on track to win a relief role after he struck out six and allowed four baserunners in 4.1 innings between his first two Grapefruit League appearances, but he hadn't appeared since March 26 after succumbing to an illness. It's unclear whether the Blue Jays will stash Pearson on the 10-day injured list while he recovers from the ailment, or if he'll be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo as Toronto trims down its active roster to 28 men ahead of Opening Day.