National Post (National Edition)
Gaviglio Jays’ ‘mystery’ starter Saturday
BOSTON • John Gibbons. International Man of Mystery.
The Blue Jays manager has been secretive the last couple of days when asked who will be starting Saturday’s game at Fenway Park for the Jays.
But on Friday, Gibbons all but confirmed that it will be right-hander Sam Gaviglio, despite the fact that Gaviglio pitched 1.2 innings in a start against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday and gave up six runs on six hits in the clunker of an outing.
“We’ll just let him go and see how long he can go, one of those type deals,” said Gibbons.
The manager was asked if the Jays considered bringing someone from Triple A Buffalo. “Who would you bring up?” Gibbons asked a reporter.
“Like a (Chris) Rowley as a spot starter?” the scribe replied.
“Yeah, you could do that,” said Gibbons, breaking up the room.
Here’s the thing. With the Jays 22.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East heading into Friday’s game, there doesn’t seem to be any sense of gravity or immediacy in the decision.
ESTRADA PUT ON THE DL
RHP Marco Estrada has been placed on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to July 10) with a left glute strain. OF Dwight Smith Jr. has been recalled from Triple A Buffalo. Estrada will throw a side again on Sunday and be re-evaluated. LHP Jaime Garcia (in Florida) pitched on inning on Thursday and “felt great.”
“We thought (Estrada) might be ready to go (Saturday) but it’s not worth (pushing it). So (putting him on the DL) clears a spot,” said Gibbons.
AROUND THE DIAMOND
Left-fielder Teoscar Hernandez was a late scratch for Friday’s game and was replaced by Smith. In Gibbyspeak, Hernandez has a left heel that “is barking.” First baseman Justin Smoak was the DH in Friday’s game. Gibbons said Smoak suffered a muscle cramp a couple of nights ago in Atlanta where it was very hot. Kendrys Morales got the start at first. Former Jays’ outfielder Steve Pearce, who was traded to Boston on June 28, was not in the Red Sox lineup on Friday after being hit in the leg by pitcher J.A. Happ on Thursday. He suffered a left shin contusion.
HAPP-BETTS SHOWDOWN REVISITED
Gibbons said he appreciated that Happ-Mookie Betts battle on Thursday night despite the fact the 13-pitch showdown ended up with Betts smashing a grand slam over the Green Monster in left. The Boston media saw it as something wonderful, one outlet described the showdown as “magical.’’
“Just like everybody over there (in the Red Sox dugout) would have appreciated if (Betts) pops that up or strikes out,” said the manager.