I’m starting to root for Jesse Litsch of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The so-called fifth starter of the Jays is doing it all in just his second year in the big leagues.
Not only is Litsch leading the team in victories (5), but he is also 3-0 in his last four starts with a 2.67 ERA and more impressively, allowing no walks during that span.
Overall this season, Litsch is 5-1 with a 4.22 ERA. That high earned run average was thanks to two rough outings in April; otherwise, the Jays’ hurler has allowed three runs or fewer in his other starts.
And Friday night in Philadelphia, Litsch rescued the Jays bullpen by pitching three innings in relief in a blowout loss.
Yes, the Phillies’ Jayson Werth hit three homers and collected 8 RBIs, and Jamie Moyer pitched well for the home team–but for me, the star of the Jays’ 10-3 defeat was Litsch.
Word is that the right-hander volunteered to pitch–despite having already thrown 5 2/3 innings on Tuesday. Yes, it was Litsch’s throwing day anyway, but still.
Litsch relieved emergency starter and Triple-A callup David Purcey (0-1) to start the fourth, with Toronto down 8-2.
Litsch has shown so far that he’s a team guy, pitches well when it’s his turn in the rotation, and is just the type of unselfish athlete that should be applauded.
Well done, Jesse Litsch.