Blue Jays reveal mystery starter
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 a 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 suggested.
“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 ON THE DL
RHP Marco Estrada has been placed on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to July 10) with a left glute strain.
Estrada will be re-evaluated after throwing on the side on Sunday.
Meanwhile, LHP Jaime Garcia pitched an inning on Thursday in Florida 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.
Outfielder Dwight Smith Jr. has been recalled from Buffalo.
AROUND THE DIAMOND
Left-fielder Teoscar Hernandez was a late scratch for Friday ’s game and was replaced by Smith.
In Gibby speak, Hernandez has a left heel that’s “barking.”
First baseman Justin Smoak was pencilled in at DH for Friday ’s game.
Gibbons said Smoak suffered a muscle cramp a couple of nights ago in Atlanta. Kendrys Morales got the start at first.
Former Jays outfielder Steve Pearce, who was traded to Boston on June 28, wasn’t in the Red Sox lineup on Friday after being hit by pitcher J.A. Happ on Thursday. He suffered a bruised shin.
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.