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Toronto’s Devon Travis slides in to score a run on Sunday.Kathy Willens/The Associated Press

At the start of spring training, Blue Jays pitcher Roberto Osuna didn't think he'd have a lengthy stay in the big-league camp.

But with Toronto's April 6 opener against the New York Yankees quickly approaching, the hard-throwing righty is a surprise contender for a spot in the rotation.

Regarded as one of the organization's top prospects, Osuna continued to make his case Sunday, tossing 3 2/3 runless innings in a 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays that took just 2 hours 2 minutes.

"I didn't think I had any chance to make the team," said Osuna, who had Tommy John surgery in July, 2013. "But right now, I'm very excited and I'm going to try to make it."

Osuna, 20, allowed a double to Desmond Jennings in the first and a single to Joey Butler in the second. He struck out two, walked one and hasn't allowed a run in five appearances. "I've got to keep focused in the next outing and try to do my best," he said. "If I make the team, then good. If not, I hope to make it later."

Miguel Castro, another 20-year-old turning heads this spring, gave up just one hit in 21/3 innings after taking over for Osuna.

Russell Martin hit his first homer of the spring Sunday, connecting off reliever Mike Montgomery for a solo shot in the sixth that landed far beyond the right-centre field wall. Earlier, Jose Bautista drove in Jose Reyes on a grounder in the first.

Meanwhile, manager John Gibbons said left-hander Brett Cecil will be the Jays closer.

Gibbons said the competition came down to Cecil and prospect Aaron Sanchez. But when starter Marcus Stroman suffered a season-ending knee injury early in camp, Sanchez was moved into Stroman's spot and Cecil became the clear favourite for to close.

Cecil, however, has missed the start of camp with the flu, then had inflammation in his rotator cuff during a bullpen session that has kept him out of every game. But Gibbons said he isn't worried.

On the injury front, right-hander Marco Estrada (ankle) was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday after slightly injuring his ankle during fielding practice. He's expected to start Tuesday against Minnesota.

Infielder Maicer Izturis (groin strain) will be sidelined at least 10 days and likely won't be ready to start the season. Outfielder Kevin Pillar (strained oblique) took outdoor batting practice for the first time since being hurt while sneezing last week. He should be in the lineup on Wednesday.

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