Jays Jots: Blue Jays Yell “Geronimo”, Call Up Germano

February 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Justin Germano (52) throws a pitch in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsWith the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation averaging only 5.4 innings per start, the bullpen is getting quite a work-out thus far in the 2013 season. In fact, only the bullpens of the Houston Astros (98.2) and Pittsburgh Pirates (91.0) have put in more innings that the Blue Jays relievers.

All of that work has lead to a non-stop shuttle between Toronto and Buffalo in the early days of this season. The latest to receive what has become a one-way ticket to Toronto is Justin Germano. The Blue Jays announced on Saturday that they have recalled the right-hander to take the roster spot of Aaron Laffey, who was designated for assignment earlier in the day after a disastrous emergency start on Friday night against the Yankees.

Justin Germano was signed by the Blue Jays to a Minor League deal on November 9, 2012 and has spent the entire season with the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo. Despite a 3-1 record with the Bisons, the overall results have not been pretty for the 30-year-old right-hander. Through 4 starts with Buffalo, Germano has allowed 18 runs (17 earned) and 38 hits over 23 innings pitched.

However, Germano does have 93 games of Major League experience under his belt, and could become a bullpen option should the game get away from an ailing R.A. Dickey on Sunday. Otherwise, Germano may be kept around long enough to see if Josh Johnson is good to go on Thursday against the Red Sox. Germano could then find himself riding the DFA train back to Buffalo by the end of the week.

Other Jays Notes:

– According to Gregor Chisolm, the results of Johnson’s MRI on his tight triceps were negative, showing no damage to the area. That will likely mean that Johnson will avoid the disabled list for now, but there is still no determination if he will make his next start on Thursday.

– R.A. Dickey is still dealing with the tight back and neck muscles, and that is leading to a struggle with his velocity on his knuckleball, as reported by Evan Peaslee at MLB.com. That is leading Dickey to change his release point and causing problems with his control, as was earlier this week against the Orioles. The Blue Jays need Dickey to be on his A-Game and battle through it if they want to avoid their first sweep of 2013.

– The Colorado Rockies have designated infielder Chris Nelson for assignment, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. That move is only significant for Toronto due to their vast array of waiver claims in 2013. With the struggles of Emilio Bonifacio and Maicer Izturis, Nelson may be a viable upgrade over the pair. The 27-year-old hit .301 with 9 home runs, 53 RBI, and an .810 OPS in 111 games last season, but is only sitting at a .242 average and .600 OPS through 71 at bats in 2013. Nelson was designated in order for the Rockies to call up top prospect Nolan Arrenado.