Blue Jays Demote Brett Cecil To Double-A

The Toronto Blue Jays sent pitcher Brett Cecil to the minors after a rough spring.

Cecil, 25, led the Blue Jays with 15 wins in 2010 and overall has started 65 games in the majors with a very respectable 4.64 ERA in 389 2/3 innings pitched. He struggled down the stretch last year, going 0-7 with a 5.16 ERA in August and September. That carried over into the spring, where he's had mechanics problems, allowing 14 runs in 17 innings.

Cecil had the choice to go to Triple-A Las Vegas, but opted for Double-A because the Blue Jays Las Vegas affiliate is an extremely hitter-friendly environment. He doesn't blame anyone but himself for the demotion. "I really gave them no choice," Cecil said. "I really didn't help myself out any. I've had a month to figure it out. Any pitcher should be able to figure it out then. Some take a little bit longer, like I have. I'm not disappointed at anything at this point."

The Blue Jays will open the season with Henderson Alvarez, Kyle Drabek, and Joel Carreno slotting in the rotation behind Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow.