There is one guarantee: if you don’t show up, that’s when news happens.

So, it was with some hesitation that I decided not to attend the Jays’ game against the Astros in Kissimmee this afternoon. Sure enough, as I was watching Dustin McGowan pitch in a Minor League game in Dunedin, I checked my blackberry and read the following note:

“Morrow was scratched today.”

Brandon Morrow, scheduled to start against Houston, was a late scratch due to a sore right shoulder. Apparently, Morrow has felt some discomfort for a few days and decided not to start after warming up for his outing in Kissimmee.

MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez, filling in for me on the road, reported that Morrow “will rest for a couple of days, but besides that, the plan for him moving forward is unknown.” Morrow indicated that he has had bouts of shoulder soreness in previous springs and he did not seem concerned that the issue would linger

“It’s always been a thing that’s kind of popped up and then just gone away and really hasn’t bothered me after I’ve gotten it to calm down,” Morrow said. “It’s kind of a getting-over-the-hill thing.”

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said Morrow would be re-evaluated in the next few days and the pitcher would likely be examined by team doctor’s in Dunedin. If Toronto needs to start Morrow on the disabled list to begin the season, that likely opens the door for Brett Cecil or Dana Eveland to slide into the rotation.

NOTES FROM DUNEDIN

• 3B Edwin Encarnacion took part in batting practice for the first time in a couple weeks, testing out his surgically-repaired left wrist. Encarnacion said he did not feel any pain in the wirst, which has bothered him some throughout the spring. He said he feels there is still enough time to be ready for Opening Day. CLICK HERE for more.
• Chatted some with Mike McCoy today, who is a leading candidate to grab the 25th spot on the Opening Day roster. The Jays have been impressed with McCoy this spring, especially with his bat and ability to man many infield and outfield spots. McCoy is currently battling a sore right shoulder, though he said he expects to be back in games by Monday. CLICK HERE for more.
• RHP Dustin McGowan continued his comeback from right shoulder surgery with a Triple-A start on Friday, allowing no runs and two hits over 1 2/3 innings. McGowan walked two and cut his outing off once he reached 36 pitches and two outs in the second. The righty topped out at 88 mph on the radar gun and struggles with his command. After the start, McGowan said he does not expect to make the Opening Day roster. CLICK HERE for more.
• I also took some time to chat with Aaron Hill and Vernon Wells about how the clubhouse environment has evolved this spring. A few pitchers have commented that the atmosphere around camp this year seems to be looser and more fun, and part of the reason is that Roy Halladay is no longer around. CLICK HERE for more.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Hill’s dog, Mr. Banks, watches the Jays’ morning workout

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ALSO: GO SPARTANS!

For complete Blue Jays coverage this spring, make sure you’re reading bluejays.com and following me on Twitter at @MLBastian. You can also find spring photos on TwitPic.com.

~JB