Cecil off to a bumpy start in the Minors

Cecil off to a bumpy start in the Minors

Cecil off to a bumpy start in the Minors
TORONTO -- Brett Cecil has struggled out of the gate this season at Double-A New Hampshire.

The southpaw is 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA after two starts, and opposing batters are hitting .333 against him.

Manager John Farrell was given a report on how Cecil fared in his latest outing Saturday, when he lasted five innings and surrendered six runs.

"Last night, a little bit more power to his stuff," Farrell said. "He did get hurt a couple times when he was trying to generate more velocity and missed some balls up in the strike zone. Seems like he's been a little bit quick out of the set position with men on base, and his arm hasn't fully caught up in the timing of his delivery. Out of the windup, he's been more consistent."

Toronto will need a fifth starter for April 21, the second of a three-game set against Kansas City. Based on Cecil's first two starts with New Hampshire, he's an unlikely candidate.

Farrell wouldn't say how many arms are in the mix for that start, but Aaron Laffey, Joel Carreno and Drew Hutchison are all considered to be options.

"I don't have an exact number, but you've seen them all in Spring Training," Farrell said. "The guys who started Opening Day or first or second game, kind of fall in line, just counting out five days from the Minor League Opening Day."