Litsch looking for 5th win as Jays take on Twins

Jesse Litsch is on a roll lately, lowering his ERA by almost two runs a game while going 2-0 in his last three starts. (Charlie Riedel/Associated Press)

When you're one of the worst offensive teams in major-league baseball and you're headed for the Twin Cities to meet the Central Division-leading Minnesota Twins in a three-game series, finding a silver lining can create a nice diversion.

So let's chat about Jesse Litsch, the Toronto Blue Jays' red-headed young right-hander who four outings ago was struggling to the point there was talk of sending him to triple-A Syracuse for a spell.

Since then, he has gone 2-0 with a 2.53 earned-run average while improving to 4-1 overall and showing he belongs on an excellent Blue Jays pitching staff. The Jays' pitchers, collectively, are the only thing worth writing home about as the team's punchless, injury-riddled, 18-22 early season continues.

Sinker thrown for strikes

After a loss to the Tampa Rays on April 22, Litsch's ERA was sitting at 6.16. It's now 4.24, including 3.14 for two starts this month.

The difference seems to be in the sinker. Now that the 23-year-old can throw it consistently for strikes, it has become a handy weapon in an arsenal that does not include a 98-mile-an-hour fastball.

Litsch is a pitcher, not a thrower, in other words. And he's learning how to do it.

The Twins are playing the way they always have — taking one of the lower payrolls in baseball and turning it into a winner.

Minnesota is 20-17 despite having hit just 20 home runs this year, and that's one ahead of the Kansas City Royals for worst in the big leagues. On the other hand, over their last seven games, the Twins have scored at least seven runs, playing small ball and taking advantage of opportunities.

They used that approach to take three of four games from the Boston Red Sox last weekend, and have taken nine of their last 12.

"There may be new characters in the clubhouse, but it's the same philosophy," said Michael Cuddyer, the Twins' right-fielder.

Slowey slow to recover

The Twins have Kevin Slowey (0-2, 6.48 ERA) on the mound Tuesday night, for his first start since April 3 thanks to a right biceps strain. In a five-inning outing last Thursday, he was pounded around.

"[It was] obviously disappointing, but my arm felt 100 per cent, which was important, and I know that I can get guys out if I make good pitches," Slowey said.

On Wednesday night, it'll be the hard-luck Roy Halladay (3-5, 3.29) for Toronto against Boff Bonser (2-4, 5.09). On Thursday, it's Dustin McGowan for the Jays (2-3, 4.47) and Glen Perkins (0-1, 4.50) in an afternoon contest.

Notably, the Jays miss Twins ace Livan Hernandez, and his 6-1 record, so there is a little sun behind the clouds.

Besides, Minnesota plays in a dome, so the rain can't fall on the Blue Jays for a few days.

With files from Associated Press

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Litsch looking for 5th win as Jays take on Twins

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