Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero pitches against the Minnesota Twins during first inning Grapefruit League action Dunedin, Fla., on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
The struggling Toronto Blue Jays are turning to an old hand to try to lift them out of a jam.
The American League club announced on Thursday that left-handed pitcher Ricky Romero will be rejoining the club and will make his first start Friday against the Seattle Mariners.
The move was necessary after the team decided to place pitcher Josh Johnson on the disabled list with right triceps inflammation, retroactive to April 29.
The Blue Jays have also recalled righthander Brad Lincoln from their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.
Romero, the former No. 1 pitcher who did not make the 25-man roster out of spring training, has been toiling in the minor leagues working on improving his mechanics.
Johnson, 29, one of Toronto's key acquisitions during the off-season, has made four starts in 2013, posting a 0-1 record with a 6.86 ERA.