Towers Back in Jays' Rotation

ATLANTA -- Josh Towers was going to rejoin the Blue Jays' rotation at some point. Toronto was just waiting for the right time. A rookie's struggles and a minor injury presented the Jays with the proper scenario for Towers' return.

Rookie Ty Taubenheim, who was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday for Toronto, has gone 0-4 in the rotation since he had his contract purchased from Triple-A on May 19. Ted Lilly, who was supposed to pitch against the Braves on Tuesday, was given an extra day to rest a sore throwing shoulder and he'll take Taubenheim's place.

Taubenheim was moved to the bullpen to make room for Towers, who started against Atlanta on Tuesday instead of Lilly. With A.J. Burnett scheduled to come off the 60-day disabled list for Thursday's game, it doesn't appear Taubenheim will get another start any time soon. That's because Towers' stay in the Majors isn't a temporary one, according to Toronto manager John Gibbons.

"As far as I know, he'll pitch here and he'll pitch again Sunday," said Gibbons, when asked if Towers would remain in the rotation. "I expect him to be good."

Towers was outrighted to Triple-A on May 24 after going 1-8 with a 9.00 ERA in 10 starts for Toronto. In the Minors, though, the right-hander went 2-2 with a 2.48 ERA and 17 strikeouts versus just three walks in 29 innings.

When Toronto needed a starter to replace injured left-hander Gustavo Chacin last Wednesday, the club said the three starts Towers had at Triple-A weren't enough and had reliever Scott Downs pitch instead. So what was the difference after just one more Minor League outing by Towers?

"Lilly's shoulder," Gibbons said. "We figured [Towers] was going to have to help us sooner or later anyway. We were looking for a spot to bring him back."