--LHP Brian Burres was optioned to Class AAA Las Vegas after lasting just two-plus innings against Kansas City and allowing six runs Thursday. It was the second start for Burres, who was called up from Las Vegas to replace injured LHP Ricky Romero. In his other start, Burres took the loss against the White Sox, allowing six runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings Saturday.

--RHP Bryan Bullington was optioned to Class AAA Las Vegas after Thursday's game, in which he allowed two runs in three innings against the Royals. They were the only two runs he yielded in six innings over four appearances with Toronto.

--2B Aaron Hill is off to a terrific start at the plate, having hit in 21 of the Blue Jays' 24 games. He's batting .365 overall with five homers and 20 RBIs. One of the most impressed observers is manager Cito Gaston, who never saw Hill play last year after taking over the managerial job from John Gibbons on June 20. Hill's season ended May 29 after a collision behind second base with SS David Eckstein. "All around, he's just been absolutely great for us," Gaston said. "As far as his offense and defense, he's just done a great job. I hope he continues to play that way, and who knows, hopefully he might get a little trip over to St. Louis (site of this year's All-Star Game)."

--SS Marco Scutaro led off Thursday's game with a home run, his second leadoff homer of the season and fourth of his career. The home run also snapped the Jays' homerless streak at 45 innings. Scutaro has reached base safely in 22 of the 24 games he's played this season.

--C Rod Barajas had a successful trip, going 10-for-20 (.500). Over his past seven games, he is 12-for-29 (.414) with two home runs and seven RBIs.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Casey Janssen (right labrum surgery in March 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He missed all of last season. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin on April 27, and he could be back with the Blue Jays in mid-May.

LHP Ricky Romero (strained right oblique muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 20.

LHP B.J. Ryan (left trapezius tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list April 23. He will need a rehab assignment before returning to the Blue Jays.

C Michael Barrett (torn right shoulder muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 18.

RHP Jesse Litsch (strained right forearm) went on the 15-day disabled list April 14. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Litsch experienced discomfort while throwing on April 25.

RHP Dustin McGowan (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. Initially, he was expected to be able to contribute by mid-June 2009 at the latest, but it appears that a late-July date is a best-case scenario.

RHP Shawn Marcum (Tommy John elbow surgery in September 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. Initially, the Blue Jays didn't expect him back until 2010, but more recently he was expected to return by August.

ROTATION:

RHP Roy Halladay

LHP David Purcey

RHP Scott Richmond

LHP Brian Tallet

BULLPEN:

LHP Scott Downs (closer)

RHP Brandon League

LHP Jesse Carlson

LHP Bill Murphy

RHP Jason Frasor

RHP Shawn Camp

CATCHERS:

Rod Barajas

Raul Chavez

INFIELDERS:

1B Lyle Overbay

2B Aaron Hill

SS Marco Scutaro

3B Scott Rolen

INF John McDonald

INF/OF Kevin Millar

INF/OF Jose Bautista

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Travis Snider

CF Vernon Wells

RF Alex Rios

DH Adam Lind