In Tuesday's 8-1 victory over Kansas City, Richmond lasted a career-high seven innings, allowing one run on five hits to move to 3-0 in four starts and lower his ERA to 2.70.

"I'm just trying to go out there each start and execute my pitches down in the zone," Richmond said of his success. "I feel that if I can do that, I'm going to be successful. So far, so good."

Richmond's steadiness has been a godsend for the Jays, who have five starters on the disabled list.

"I don't think we expected this much from Scott," said assistant general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "But I think what has happened is that after he got over the stress of competing for a job in spring training, he has been able to relax and settle into his role."

ROYALS 11, BLUE JAYS 3: The only positive for the Jays on Wednesday was that they became the first team to score an earned run against Royals RHP Zack Greinke this season when CF Vernon Wells singled home SS Marco Scutaro from second in the first inning. LHP Brian Tallet, making his third start as a replacement for the injured Jesse Litsch, was pounded for 10 runs on 11 hits over four innings. Tallet had allowed just one earned run over his previous two starts.