By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 21, 2011
.Up next
at Blue Jays
Tonight-Sunday
What's new: The Jays have shuffled their pitching staff, sending RHP Jesse Litsch (Dixie Hollins High) and LHP Brett Cecil (their top 2010 winner) to the minors. … RHP Brandon Morrow, who nearly no-hit the Rays last year, will be activated to start Saturday. Also, RHP Frank Francisco came off the disabled list and is in the bullpen. 2B Aaron Hill missed Wednesday's game with a hamstring issue and could be limited this weekend. … John Farrell is in his first season as manager.
Key stat: After stealing an AL-low 58 bases all of last season, the Jays already have swiped 23 and rank second in the league.
Connections: Rays INF Felipe Lopez came up with the Jays and played there 2001-02. … Jays OF Jose Bautista and RHP Shawn Camp are former Rays, and 3B coach Brian Butterfield is a former Eckerd College assistant.
Series history: Jays lead 111-110 overall, 65-47 in Toronto.
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer