The Blue Jays were forced to return Rule 5 righty Zech Zinicola to the Nationals, reports MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.  Bastian learned that the Blue Jays attempted to work out a trade with the Nats, but Washington declined and instead paid the $25K to get Zinicola back.  The 25-year-old Zinicola posted a 5.33 ERA, 7.8 K/9, and 3.2 BB/9 in 54 minor league innings last year.  Two years ago, Baseball America suggested Zinicola "has the stuff to be a late inning reliever in the Majors, but he needs to be more consistent with his command and mental approach."

Bastian notes that at least eight pitchers are still vying for four Toronto bullpen spots, and Merkin Valdez, Shawn Camp, and Dana Eveland might have a leg up because they're out of options.