Straw will start in center field and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Straw will pick up his fourth straight start while the Blue Jays remain short on alternatives in center field with Daulton Varsho (shoulder) on the injured list, Nathan Lukes (personal) on the paternity list and George Springer day-to-day with a wrist injury. To his credit, Straw has capitalized on the opportunities he's received this season, slashing .379/.419/.552 with one home run and one stolen base in 32 plate appearances. Straw's strong play might be enough for him to stick around on the big-league roster as a depth outfielder ahead of Lukes -- who has a minor-league option remaining -- once Varsho is cleared to make his 2025 debut with Toronto.

Straw went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Monday's loss to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Getting a start in center field and batting seventh, Straw got hold of a sixth-inning fastball from Grant Holmes and drove it over the fence in center field. It was Straw's first homer in the majors since 2023, and only the seventh of his career. The 30-year-old speedster has taken advantage of his opportunity in Toronto, batting .385 (10-for-26) with a steal, three RBI and five runs in 12 games, but it's not clear if there will be a spot for him on the 26-man roster once Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is ready to come off the IL.

Straw went 3-for-4 with two doubles an a run in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Straw made his second start in center field Wednesday and logged his first hit of the season when he doubled off MacKenzie Gore in the second inning. Straw logged his second double in the sixth frame and proceeded to cross home plate two batters later on a fielder's choice. He'll maintain his spot on the Blue Jays' roster as a reserve outfielder for as long as Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is on the injured list.

The Blue Jays selected Straw's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being acquired from the Guardians in January, Straw was able to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster as a reserve outfielder due to Daulton Varsho needing more time to recover from shoulder surgery. Straw is unlikely to see extensive action with Toronto, and he could be at risk of being booted off the 40-man roster once Varsho is activated from the 10-day injured list.

Straw could see action against some right-handed pitching as the Blue Jays prioritize his defense in center field, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old will split duties in center with Nathan Lukes while Daulton Varsho completes his recovery from shoulder surgery, but while Straw hits right-handed and Lukes swings from the left side of the plate, the duo isn't expected to work in a strict platoon. Alan Roden might also see the occasional start in center, further muddying the picture. Varsho could make his 2025 in the first week of April, so Straw and Lukes will essentially be competing for a single bench spot after the Jays' starting center fielder is cleared to return.

Straw will be a part of Toronto's Opening Day roster, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Straw will secure one of the team's final position player spots on its Opening Day roster after batting .400 with a home run, six RBI, six runs scored and a stolen base over 30 at-bats in 19 games during spring training. The 30-year-old will help fill the void left by Daulton Varsho (shoulder) in Toronto's outfield for the first couple weeks of the season.

Straw is in the running for a spot on the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster with Daulton Varsho (shoulder) set to begin the season on the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old outfielder was dealt to Toronto in January in a salary dump by Cleveland, but Straw might end up making a contribution with his new club. He's batting a blistering .414 (12-for-29) this spring with a 2:5 BB:K while playing his usual strong defense in center field, putting him in the running to help cover for Varsho for the first couple weeks of the season. Both of his primary competitors, Nathan Lukes and prospect Alan Roden, hit from the left side of the plate, so Straw would be a fit alongside either of them if the team elects to use a platoon to replace Varsho.

The Blue Jays acquired Straw, cash considerations and international bonus pool space from the Guardians on Friday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

EDGE Analysis

The Guardians will be covering $3.75 million of the $15.5 million Straw is still owed on his contract and will send $2 million in bonus pool money to Toronto, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca. While the club hopes to put the pool money toward a contract for Roki Sasaki, Davidi says Sasaki has not given the Blue Jays any indication that he's made a decision. Straw spent nearly all of the 2024 season in the minors and was removed from Cleveland's 40-man roster earlier this offseason.

Straw cleared waivers Friday and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

Straw spent the vast majority of the season with Columbus, slashing .240/.321/.329 with 47 RBI across 434 plate appearances. Now that the 30-year-old outfielder no longer has a spot on the 40-man roster, it's unlikely he makes a significant contribution to the Guardians in 2025 -- barring a drastic turnaround at the plate.

The Guardians optioned Straw to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

He gave Cleveland a little outfield protection while it was without Steven Kwan (back), but Straw will lose his spot on the 28-man active roster after Kwan was reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move. Straw has spent virtually the entire season at Columbus, posting a .651 OPS with 30 stolen bases.