The Jays had a bit of a rough homecoming last night. Their offense put them ahead against young starter Josh Outman, but David Purcey was unable to hold the lead, the offense completely shut down once Oakland got back in the game, and Brandon League pitched poorly in relief to allow the A's to win the game 8-5. To make matters worse, second catcher Michael Barrett suffered a torn muscle and was placed on the disabled list. Yesterday was yesterday, though, and the Jays can keep staving off the 2-game losing streak with a win today.
They will have a little bit of an uphill battle in doing so, however. Brian Tallet makes the start today, pitching out of the rotation for the first time in 3 years to replace Jesse Litsch, who went on the DL earlier this week with a strained forearm. Tallet, however, will be a tight pitch count (70-75 pitches) and will be facing a patient Oakland lineup, so I think it'll be quite impressive if he can get through 5. Backing up Tallet is a depleted bullpen that had to throw 5 1/3 innings yesterday. Although, if the Jays can get to the late innings, both B.J. Ryan and Scott Downs have had the last two days off.
The Jays return to their Snider-Overbay offense today against the righthander Cahill, who has done a decent job for Oakland in his 2 starts. Brian Tallet hasn't been bad for the Jays in relief but has been a little prone to the long ball.
Today's title comes from the lovely, if melancholy, "Call Me On Your Way Back Home" by Whiskeytown.