--Decision time is coming soon for the Jays regarding starters RHP Casey Janssen and LHP Ricky Romero, both of whom are on the disabled list. Janssen made his fourth rehab start Tuesday night, this one for Class AA New Hampshire, while Romero will make his second rehab start Wednesday, also for New Hampshire. General manager J.P. Ricciardi said there is no timetable on when they would return as the Jays have been pleased with the contributions being made by rookie LHP Brett Cecil (1-0, 0-64 in two starts) and former long reliever Brian Tallet.
"Ultimately we're going to need them all," Ricciardi said of his starters. "I think Tallet's done an unbelievable job, and Cecil's done a good job as far as stepping up there and not really expecting him to do as well as he has done. It's been a great surprise. We'll need them all; it's going to be what works for us." Janssen was effective for New Hampshire on Tuesday, allowing one run in six innings. He struck out five and walked one.
--The news regarding RHP Jesse Litsch, who is on the disabled list with a strained right forearm, isn't as positive. "His timetable is sometime in June, I don't know when," GM J.P. Ricciardi said. "There's no need to rush him." As for RHP Shaun Marcum, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his elbow, Ricciardi believes that in a best-case scenario he might be available in August.
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 minor league rehab assignment 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. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin on May 8, and he will pitch for Class AA New Hampshire on May 13.
LHP B.J. Ryan (left trapezius tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list April 23. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Dunedin on May 7, and he could return to the Blue Jays in mid-May.
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 experienced discomfort while throwing on April 25, pushing his possible return into June.
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. He might be able to return in August.
ROTATION:
RHP Roy Halladay
RHP Robert Ray
RHP Scott Richmond
LHP Brian Tallet
LHP Brett Cecil
BULLPEN:
LHP Scott Downs (closer)
RHP Brandon League
LHP Jesse Carlson
LHP Bill Murphy
RHP Jason Frasor
RHP Shawn Camp
RHP Brian Wolfe
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
