Blue Jays’ Francisco Liriano has solid outing for Buffalo

The Toronto Blue Jays are slowly rounding into form as their collection of injured players are being nursed back to health, last night was no exception as another player made a successful rehab start with the Buffalo Bisons.

Pitcher Francisco Liriano toed the rubber for the Bisons versus the Chicago White Sox Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte. Liriano was steady over 4.1 innings in his rehab return on the bump. Liriano surrendered 2 earned runs on 3 hits while striking out 7 in his minor-league tune-up.

The 33-year who has been shelved with shoulder inflammation since May 11th threw 48 out of 72 pitches for strikes and could conceivably start for the Blue Jays this coming weekend if he does not require another rehab start.

The Blue Jays have utilized 9 starters this season due to the injuries to Liriano, J.A. Happ, and Aaron Sanchez. Happ is scheduled to be activated from the DL in the coming days so he can make the Tuesday start for the big club.

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With Liriano close to following suit that will only leave Sanchez as the remaining starter on the DL. Sanchez is battling nagging blister issues that have plagued him all season.

Once the three hurlers are all healthy manager John Gibbons will have a decision to make about the status of Joe Biagini moving forward. Biagini has filled in admirably as a starter, however, he could return to the bullpen once the original starting five is back in place.

Liriano had a stellar spring training but stumbled out of the gate so far this season leading up to the injury. The hurler sports an inflated 6.35 earned run average 7 starts while walking 23 batters in 28.1 innings of work thus far. Liriano will have to clean it up if he plans on remaining in the rotation especially with the emergence of Biagini.

Next: Blue Jays: Rest may be key for the returning sluggers

Regardless it will be a nice option to have everyone back healthy and available for the skipper as the Jays attempt to make up lost ground in the AL East.