It's not often that a rookie starter will be missed more than a veteran closer, but that's the way it stands after the Jays placed rookie lefty Ricky Romero and closer B.J. Ryan on the 15-day disabled list Thursday. Romero is out with an injured right oblique, and Ryan has an injured left trapezius.
In three starts this season, Romero has been terrific, going 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA, and has become the Jays' second-best starter. There is no one in the minor leagues who can be expected to be called up and match his performance. Ryan, meanwhile, struggled from the start of spring training until his performance in Wednesday's game, when he blew a three-run lead to Texas in the ninth inning. On the season, he is 2-for-4 in save situations and sports an 11.12 ERA.
Manager Cito Gaston said Ryan's soreness may be the reason for a drop in velocity this season and his lack of command.
"I think he's been feeling it for a while," Gaston said. "He let us know after the game (Wednesday) that he was having some problems there. He really can't get through the ball. It's kind of tight back there, and it's keeping his arm from getting through."
In Ryan's absence, Gaston called on lefty Scott Downs to get the save Thursday.
While Ryan didn't want to talk with reporters, Romero said he first felt something in his side after sneezing before his start at Minnesota on April 14. He said he also felt discomfort in his start against Oakland on Sunday.
"It's crazy," Romero said. "Even now I'm afraid to sneeze."
BLUE JAYS 5, RANGERS 2: RHP Scott Richmond held the Rangers in check over six innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out a career-high eight batters. LHP Scott Downs came on for a 1-2-3 ninth in place of the injured B.J. Ryan for his first save of the season. CF Vernon Wells and 1B Lyle Overbay hit solo home runs, and RF Alex Rios added a two-run shot. For Rios, it was his first homer of the season.
