Report: Blue Jays 'keeping tabs' on free-agent depth starters

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for insurance options for their rotation.

Though they've made two recent additions to their bullpen in Joe Smith and J.P. Howell, the Blue Jays are reportedly keeping tabs on free-agent arms who would add depth to their starting rotation, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

While the Blue Jays haven't been linked with any specific names, the current free-agent market isn't short of possible candidates for a sixth starter.

Henderson Alvarez, who pitched with the Blue Jays from 2011-12, is still looking for a gig after undergoing shoulder surgery in September, as are names such as Tim Lincecum, Doug Fister, and Colby Lewis, to name a few. Fister and Lewis, however, may be holding out for permanent rotation spots after posting 4.64 and 3.71 ERAs last season, respectively.

Currently, Toronto looks set to roll into spring training with a group of starters consisting of Aaron Sanchez, J.A. Happ, Marco Estrada, Marcus Stroman, and Francisco Liriano, with Mike Bolsinger, who's now out of minor-league options, a candidate for an occasional spot start.