Blue Jays' Saunders, Izturis to begin season on DL

When the Toronto Blue Jays open their season April 6, they'll do so without a pair of potential starters. 

Manager John Gibbons confirmed Thursday that both outfielder Michael Saunders and second baseman Maicer Izturis will begin the season on the disabled list. 

Saunders suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in late February and hopes to return by mid-April. 

The 28-year-old has been hitting during minor-league games, but has not been cleared to run the bases or play defense.

Izturis has been on restricted activity since Sunday with a groin strain and had already been ruled out for Opening Day.

The 34-year-old missed all but 11 games last season with a ligament tear in his left knee.

Gibbons has yet to name who will start at second base, though rookie Devon Travis is having an exceptional spring, hitting .364/.404/.500 with six doubles in 17 games.