The Blue Jays enter spring training with a spot open in their rotation, and a pair of contenders received their first cracks at the job in Thursday's game against the Phillies.
Esmil Rogers, who posted a 4.77 ERA in 137 2/3 innings for the Blue Jays last year, got the first turn. Unfortunately, he struggled, as he was tagged for two earned runs in one inning of work. He allowed one hit, a two-run home run following a walk, while adding one strikeout.
Rogers was followed out of the bullpen by Dustin McGowan, who appeared in 25 games a year ago, all as a reliever. He tossed one scoreless inning, retiring all three batters faced in order.
According to the Toronto Star, neither Rogers nor McGowan is considered a frontrunner for the final rotation spot, though both could wind up in the bullpen.