Biagini could open 2017 as a starter in Triple-A

Joe Biagini's future with the Toronto Blue Jays could see him part of the club's starting rotation sooner rather than later.

The 26-year-old, who was one of the Blue Jays' most consistent relievers last year posting a 3.06 ERA with 62 strikeouts, could potentially start the season being stretched out as a starter in Triple-A Buffalo.

"There’s definitely that possibility, but I wouldn’t say we’re leaning that way by any means because he was so important to our bullpen a year ago," general manager Ross Atkins said, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

"We’ve talked about it. He really would like to be considered a starting alternative and he recognizes what that means. He recognizes that means he could potentially have to spend some time in triple-A."

Biagini's quick rise to success for the Blue Jays turned out to be one of the best story lines of last season as his confidence on the mound helped stabilize a Toronto bullpen that struggled in the early parts of 2016. Despite appearing in 60 games as a rookie reliever last season, Biagini was always a starting pitcher in the minors, appearing in 86 games across four minor-league seasons.

"If that’s going to be an opportunity at some point in my career, I would be glad to accept the challenge of doing it," Biagini said. "I’d be happy to try to it. But I’d be happy to do whatever - like last year, what I did was great. Obviously, I’m not complaining.

"If somebody’s saying, 'Hey, who wants an opportunity to start,' I would raise my hand, but I’m not campaigning for it."

If Biagini does in fact start the year in Triple-A, the Blue Jays could be in the market for an additional long relief option in the bullpen. The club has reportedly been "keeping tabs" on starters in free agency ahead of spring training.