Ricky Romero is re-joining the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation.
The team announced that Romero will start Friday against the Seattle Mariners in place of Josh Johnson, who has been placed on the disabled list with right triceps inflammation, retroactive to April 29.
The Blue Jays recalled right-hander Brad Lincoln from the minor leagues to take Johnson’s place on the active roster for Thursday’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox.
Romero lost his rotation spot in spring training when he struggled with his location and mechanics. The 28-year-old worked with roving pitching instructor Dane Johnson in Florida, attempting to refine his delivery.
At the time of his demotion, Romero said he was blindsided by the Blue Jays’ decision to send him to the minor leagues.
“I mean, I don’t belong here to be honest with you. This is not for me,” Romero said. “I’m a big league pitcher, and I’m confident in all my capabilities that I can get up there and help that team win.”
Romero started one game for the Blue Jays’ Class A Dunedin affiliate, completing seven innings. He struck out four without walking a batter, but had been expected to continue working at the minor league level.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos indicated this week that the Blue Jays expected to have Romero continue working on his delivery in Florida.
Johnson said Wednesday that he expected to make his scheduled start against the Mariners. He missed a start against the New York Yankees last Friday after feeling triceps soreness and underwent an MRI to assess the health of his arm. The MRI showed inflammation but confirmed that there was no ligament damage.
Johnson has a 6.86 ERA through four starts with the Blue Jays. He has allowed 28 hits and nine walks against 19 strikeouts.
By placing Johnson on the disabled list retroactive to April 29, the Blue Jays gain flexibility with respect to the right-hander’s return. Johnson, a free agent after the 2013 season, last pitched on April 21.
