TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays have sent left-hander Ricky Romero to triple-A Buffalo and designated right-hander Edgar Gonzalez for assignment.
Romero lasted just one-third of an inning as Toronto dropped a 10-4 decision at Tampa Bay on Wednesday night. It was the shortest start of his career and the quickest exit by a Toronto pitcher since Esteban Loaiza got only one batter out on July 2, 2001.
Romero, who gave up three run-scoring singles in the defeat, lost his rotation spot after a poor spring training and remained in Florida when the season began to work on mechanics. He was called up earlier this month when right-hander Josh Johnson went on the 15-day disabled list.
Romero is 0-2 this season with a 12.46 earned-run average. He has a 51-45 career record and 4.14 ERA.
Romero posted solid numbers in his first three seasons with the Blue Jays but struggled last year with a 9-14 record and 5.77 ERA.
Also Thursday, the Blue Jays selected the contracts of right-handers Ramon Ortiz and Mickey Storey from the Bisons.
