DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The main focus of attention, at least from the Blue Jays pitching standpoint, will be centred at the Philadelphia Phillies complex Wednesday in an early morning 'B' game.
Right-hander Brandon Morrow, who was obtained in the off-season from the Mariners and who is being counted on to be part of the starting rotation, makes his second appearance of the spring.
In his debut last Friday against the Phillies, Morrow didn't allow a hit or a run in two innings, walking one and striking out two.
He is scheduled to throw three innings Wednesday.
Morrow will be followed by Marc Rzepczynski, who is also making his second appearance. The lefty is also a likely candidate to be part of the rotation come opening day.
Another highlight in Wednesday's 'B' game will be the first appearance of the spring of sophomore lefty Brett Cecil who, in 17 starts last year, was 7-4 with a 5.30 ERA.
Cecil didn't pitch last week after cutting his thumb while slicing some chicken. His odds are about 50-50 of being with the club on opening day.
However, the pitching highlight of the scheduled game at Dunedin will be right-hander Kyle Drabek's two-innings of relief. Drabek was the key component of the three players the Jays received from the Phillies in the Roy Halladay trade.
The outing will mark his first against his former organization. Drabek is slotted to open the season at double-A New Hampshire.
Bounce back?
The game in Dunedin will also feature a two-inning outing by left-hander David Purcey, who was pounded in his first spring appearance.
In two innings last Friday, Purcey allowed three earned runs on seven hits.
A first-round pick of the Jays in 2004, and the 16th player taken overall, Purcey has not met expectations. Last year, he opened the season as part of the Jays rotation but was ineffective and lasted just five starts where he was 0-2 with a 7.01 ERA.
Purcey, who turns 28 in April, needs a solid performance for his own confidence.
Offensive surge
Through their opening six games, where they've gone 5-1, the Jays have been smokin' at the plate. Overall, they are hitting a collective .364 with nine home runs and 50 runs scored.
Left fielder Jose Bautista, who will open the season in right and be the leadoff batter, has been impressive. hitting .636 (7-for-11) with three doubles, two homers and five RBIs.
Other regulars who are off to a quick start include second baseman Aaron Hill who is 4-for-5 with six walks, first baseman Lyle Overbay (4-for-7, four RBIs) and centre fielder Vernon Wells, 6-for-10, one homer, three RBIs.
Roster moves
The Jays announced Tuesday that they have sent righties Chad Jenkins and Zach Stewart to their minor-league camp. That reduces the number of healthy pitchers in camp to 31.
