Kim Klement – US PRESSWIRE
Detroit Tigers’ Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell was once asked if covering a losing team ever got him down.
No, he said. Even if the Tigers weren’t playing well, there was always a notable play or performance that prevented working the game from being a chore.
The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t had much go right lately. They’ve lost seven in a row, and were blown out of the first two in this weekend’s series with the Tampa Bay Rays.
In the series finale — as drab a 4-0 loss as you’ll ever see — starter Chad Jenkins provided that notable performance.
The Blue Jays promoted the 24 year old right-hander from AA New Hampshire in August, for long relief duty.
In his first major league start this afternoon, he went five innings, allowing one run and striking out four.
Only Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow are set as starters for next year. Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchison were lost in June with season ending injuries, and will have to prove in Florida that they’re ready to go the distance in the rotation.
Chad Jenkins now gives the Jays hope that, once they need a full compliment of five starting pitchers next season, they will have them.
