TORONTO

Jays' Romero to make season debut Friday

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, May 2, 2013 2:46PM EDT Last Updated Thursday, May 2, 2013 6:45PM EDT

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during second inning MLB Grapefruit League baseball action in Clearwater, Fla., on Sunday, March 3, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette)

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TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to a familiar face to replace ailing starter Josh Johnson.

Left-hander Ricky Romero will make his season debut Friday after Toronto placed right-hander Johnson on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Johnson missed his last start due to inflammation in his right triceps. The move is retroactive to April 29.

"Yesterday we thought he was going to be OK," said Toronto manager John Gibbons. "He went out, played some catch, throw his bullpen, but then he started complaining 'y'know what, it really hasn't gone away.'

"He was still a little bit concerned about it."

Johnson is 0-1 with a 6.86 earned-run average in four starts since being acquired in an off-season trade with the Miami Marlins.

"He'd been feeling pretty good, but he hadn't thrown in a while, but then he played catch on the side (Wednesday) and it felt pretty good but he still hadn't aired it out," said Gibbons. "He was airing it out a little before stepping on the mound and he heard alarm bells."

Romero has 125 career starts with Toronto with a 51-43 record and 4.09 ERA. However, the 2011 all-star struggled in spring training and started the season in the minors to work on his mechanics.

He had one start with single-A Dunedin, allowing one run on six hits in seven innings.

"(Blue Jays roving pitching instructor Dane Johnson) felt he was ready to go," said Gibbons. "Ricky feels good, he's anxious to do it."

Hours after the Blue Jays made the announcement Romero excitedly tweeted about the start.

"Go Time!!! .ForeverBlessed," said Romero from his verified Twitter account with a link to a photo that read: "Dear Past, thank you for your lessons. Dear future, I'm ready. Dear God, thank you for another change."

Toronto also recalled right-hander Brad Lincoln from triple-A Buffalo but Gibbons said the Blue Jays will make a move after Thursday's game against Boston to make space for Romero.

Lincoln has made two appearances for the major league club this season, allowing two runs in two innings.

Gibbons said Romero will not be limited to a pitch count in Friday's start.

"He's strong," said Gibbons. "We won't get carried away, but he's ready to go."

Gibbons was unsure of how long Romero would stay up with the big club, saying they were just focused on Friday's start.