Viciedo, Thole cut from Blue Jays' roster

The Toronto Blue Jays announced a number of roster decisions Tuesday as they inch closer to finalizing the 25-man crew that will head to the Bronx for Opening Day on Monday.

A number of rookies received fantastic news Tuesday, when the Blue Jays gave roster spots to second baseman Devon Travis and outfielder Dalton Pompey. The Blue Jays will also bring 26-year-old outfielder Kevin Pillar and first baseman Justin Smoak to New York next week, and though the pitching staff has not yet been finalized, left-hander Daniel Norris will have a spot in the rotation.

"We’re still looking at the bullpen whether we're going to go eight or seven," manager John Gibbons told reporters. "That will affect some of the utility spots. We like the way it’s stacking up, but there are still a couple of questions that will be determined by what we do in the 'pen."

Two veterans, however, were handed some lousy news. After two seasons serving as knuckleballer R.A. Dickey's personal catcher, Josh Thole was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday. Dayan Viciedo, meanwhile, was granted his release from the Blue Jays after being informed that he did not receive a spot on the 25-man roster.