Toronto Blue Jays closing pitcher B.J. Ryan, seen in an Apr. 7 game, is nearing a return. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi isn't going to fix what isn't broken, telling reporters on Tuesday that injured B.J. Ryan won't be the team's closer when he returns from injury.
Ricciardi said Ryan, 33, was likely to be back in the lineup at some point before the team's current seven-game home stand.
Ryan was placed on the disabled list on April 23 because of a tight trapezius muscle. The pitcher had blown two saves in six appearances this season, with an 11.12 earned-run average.
Scott Downs has excelled as a replacement, striking out 20 batters and walking just one in 15 appearances. The lefty has yet to blow a save opportunity and has three saves and three holds.
Ricciardi said the announcement wasn't an indictment of Ryan, or even a permanent move, but rather a reflection of the club's success.
"One thing about B.J. that you respect is that he wants to win, and I think right now, with Downs doing such a good job and the club being comfortable in that role, I don't think it's a role right now that's open," the GM said. "Ultimately, I think B.J. will get back to being a closer at some point, but I think right now, Downs has got the role, and it's tough to argue with the club playing so well."
Ryan has 75 saves since joining Toronto prior to the 2006 season and has come back successfully and ahead of schedule from elbow ligament replacement surgery.
In the fourth of a five-year contract, Ryan has been rehabilitating in Dunedin, Fla.
