With right-hander Jesse Litsch on the disabled list due to a strained right forearm and gone for an indefinite period of time, the young kids remaining in the rotation will have to step it up to help carry the load.
Two starts into his rookie season, left-hander Ricky Romero has made giant strides. In his major league debut April 9 against the Tigers, Romero collected the win, allowing two runs over six innings. He followed that start up with a better one Tuesday against the Twins, as he allowed two runs over eight innings in a no-decision. In two starts, 14 innings, his ERA is 2.57. "With Litsch gone, it's going to throw us out there with four not-quite-rookie starters, but certainly with not a lot of starting experience," manager Cito Gaston said. "But this kid just keeps getting better and better. We know that we have somebody there that can step into that spot for Litsch while he's gone. He pitched great."
Romero, a first-round draft pick in 2005, has taken time to gain confidence in his ability.
Now he's the second-best starter on a rotation topped by Roy Halladay.
"If that wasn't our best start of the season, it was our second," catcher Rod Barajas said of Romero's effort Tuesday. "(Roy Halladay) had a great outing in Cleveland (seven innings, one run). Ricky was outstanding.
"He can be very special. He could blossom into a big one. He has that attitude."
Right now, the Jays would settle for a series of efforts like his past two.
BLUE JAYS 12, TWINS 2: The Jays belted a season high four home runs -- by 2B Aaron Hill, 3B Scott Rolen, CF Vernon Wells and C Michael Barrett -- to power heir way to a victory over Minnesota. RHP Scott Richmond allowed one earned run over 6 1/3 innings to pick up the victory. RHP Roy Halladay goes for the Jays on Thursday as they attempt to earn their third win in the four-game series.
