Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow endured another rough outing, but escaped with the win Thursday against the Orioles.

Morrow (2-3), who made his ninth start of the season, had a hard time keeping the ball in the park as he surrendered home runs to Chris Davis, Nick Markakis and Adam Jones. He was charged with six runs and 10 hits over seven innings of work. He struck out five and walked one in a 12-6 win.

Morrow has allowed 11 runs and has struck out just six over his last 12 innings of work. He is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday at home against Atlanta. He is 2-1 with a 4.88 ERA in five starts at home.

Former top prospect Brett Cecil never really found a groove as a starter for the Blue Jays, 

In four seasons, he compiled a 4.79 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, with a K/9 of 6.5. In 2013, however, working exclusively out of the bullpen, Cecil has been golden, sporting a 2.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 9.4 K/9. 

Cecil is throwing his fastball above his career rate (93 m.p.h. vs 90.5) and has lowered his walk rate significantly. While Casey Janssen has been great as the team's closer, he is coming back from shoulder surgery and admitted this week that his arm isn't exactly back to where it should be. 

There's no indication that Janssen won't pitch the entire season, nor is there any guarantee that Cecil would get any save opportunities ahead of Steve Delabar or Esmil Rogers. But he has been dominant as a reliever and seems to be thriving in this new role. at the very least, AL-only owners may want to consider Cecil just for the low ratios and K potential he offers as a middle reliever. Anything else would just be gravy on top. 

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons reiterated Thursday he expects starting pitcher Josh Johnson (triceps) to make at least three rehab starts before rejoining the rotation. Johnson, who pitched for Class A Dunedin Monday, will make his second rehab outing Saturday for Triple-A Buffalo.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Ramon Ortiz is no longer scheduled to start Sunday against the Orioles, as manager John Gibbons announced Thursday Chad Jenkins is slated to start Sunday. As for Ortiz, he's expected to be designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Sean Nolin, who will be promoted to start Friday's game.

Ortiz is 1-2 with a 4.08 ERA through four outings (three starts). He lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his latest start Tuesday against the Rays.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons announced Thursday starting pitcher Chad Jenkins will start Sunday against the Orioles, bumping Ramon Ortiz from the rotation. Jenkins was considered the front-runner to start Friday before prospect Sean Nolin got the nod.