Shawn Marcum gets the ball Tuesday in Minnesota as the Toronto Blue Jays go for their fifth consecutive win.

Marcum (4-2, 3.38 earned-run average) has not been tagged with a loss in eight starts since moving from the bullpen in mid-May.

Jays pitcher Shawn Marcum has not been tagged with a loss since moving from the bullpen.
(George Widman/Associated Press)

The right-hander has lasted at least six innings in all but one of those starts, though the innings worked haven't always translated into wins, such as his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Marcum didn't yield a hit until the fifth inning and left after six with Toronto leading. Unfortunately, the bullpen blew the lead and the Dodgers prevailed.

Scott Baker (2-2, 6.75 ERA) will take to the mound for the Twins. He pitched seven strong innings his last time out, giving up two runs on seven hits in a win over the New York Mets.

Baker will try to stay out of trouble against Toronto designated hitter Frank Thomas, who is one home run away from becoming the 21st player in major-league history to reach the 500 mark.

Stairs blast propels Jays

Toronto (38-37) began a 10-game road trip on Monday by outlasting the Twins 8-5 at the Metrodome.

First baseman Matt Stairs hit a two-run, upper-deck shot in the eighth to break a tie game.

Roy Halladay earned the win and is now 9-2, while Jeremy Accardo brought the tying run to the plate but held on for his ninth save.

Vernon Wells and Alex Rios each had three hits, including back-to-back homers in the third inning.

The Blue Jays have moved over the .500 mark for the first time since late April.

Toronto is 25-16 over its last 41 outings, outscoring the opposition by 41 runs. The club trails Boston by 10 games in the AL East, and are six back of Cleveland in the wild card standings.

Mike Redmond had two hits and two RBIs for Minnesota (38-36), while Jason Kubel also knocked in a run.

Torri Hunter, Jason Bartlett and Nick Punto all stole bases Monday against the Blue Jays, whose catchers rank near the bottom of the AL in throwing runners out.

The Twins' injury woes continued.

Second baseman Luis Castillo is not expected to play Tuesday after Halladay inadvertently stepped on his hand during a play at the plate in the fifth inning on Monday.

First baseman Jeff Cirillo is questionable due to recurring knee issues.

Canadian Justin Morneau was already out of the lineup after suffering a bruised right lung in a collision on Friday. He was released from the hospital on Monday and, according to manager Ron Gardenhire, could play Wednesday or Thursday.