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Russell Martin among 9 Canadians on major league rosters

The Toronto Blue Jays will open the 2015 season with two Canadians in the opening day lineup at Yankee Stadium and another on his way, probably later this month.

Catcher Russell Martin, who hails from Montreal, signed a five-year, $82-million US deal in November while centre-fielder Dalton Pompey of Mississauga, Ont., burst on the scene last September and won a starting job out of spring training.

Left-fielder Michael Saunders of Victoria stayed behind in Florida after being placed on the 15-day disabled list and will continue his rehab after having surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee.

Toronto lost a Canadian off the roster over the winter when Brett Lawrie of Langley, B.C., was dealt to Oakland in the Josh Donaldson trade.

In all, nine Canadians will appear on major league rosters, with Calgary relief pitcher Jim Henderson of the Milwaukee Brewers also on the DL.

Ten Canadians were on opening-day rosters last season and 16 appeared in at least one major league game.

In 2011, a modern-day record 26 Canucks appeared in the majors.

The Colorado Rockies have two Canadians on their roster, led by 2014 National League batting champion Justin Morneau. It was the first batting title for the native of New Westminster, B.C., whose .319 average bested Pittsburgh teammates Josh Harrison (.315) and Andrew McCutchen (.314).

Arriving in Denver as a free agent is reliever John Axford, who lives in Ancaster, Ont., during the off-season.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) and Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (Ladner, B.C.) are the other Canadians beginning the season in the major leagues.