Casey Janssen returns as Blue Jays halt three-game skid

May 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Casey Janssen delivers a pitch as he closes out a 7-3 win for the Jays over Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Buehrle made his fifth quality start of the season as the Toronto Blue Jays halted a three-game skid with a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels tonight at Rogers Centre.

Buehrle had to tightrope his way out of trouble and was beneficiary to some solid defense behind him. Colby Rasmus made a couple of nice plays in center field but left the game with right hamstring tightness (h/t Gregor Chisholm, MLB.com). The move was described by the team as “precautionary” so hopefully that means Rasmus won’t miss much more time, if any.

Jose Bautista continued to mash at the plate and led the way with three hits including a three-run home run in the first, which gave Buehrle an early cushion. Brett Lawrie also homered with a two-run shot in the sixth and is batting .304/.347/.522 over the past four weeks.

C.J. Cron homered off Steve Delabar to bring the Angels within two before Juan Francisco proceeded to tack on some insurance with a two-run single in the eighth.

Casey Janssen, who before today had yet to pitch this season, entered the game in the ninth to and with a four-run lead was able to shut the door after allowing a lead off walk. Janssen showed no signs of rust and it looked like a typical performance for the ever-reliable righty.

Roster Note:

Prior to the game both Jonathan Diaz and Chad Jenkins were added to the Blue Jays active roster. Catcher Erik Kratz was optioned to make room for Diaz while Jenkins replace reliever Sergio Santos, who hit the DL yesterday with a strained forearm (h/t Mike Wilner, The FAN)