BLUE JAYS ACTIVATE FRANK FRANCISCO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE courtey of the Toronto Blue Jays

TORONTO, ONTARIO

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

 The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have activated RHP FRANK FRANCISCO from the 15-day disabled list and optioned RHP JESSE LITSCH to Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League (AAA).

        FRANCISCO, 31, had been placed on the 15-day disabled list back on March 31 (retro to March 22) with a right shoulder strain. The 6-2, 250lb. righthander made five relief appearances in a rehab assignment with the Dunedin Blue Jays (A), posting a record of 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA (6ER/5.0IP). The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native was acquired by Toronto along with cash considerations from the Texas Rangers in exchange for C Mike Napoli on January 25, 2011.

        LITSCH, 26, made three starts for Toronto this season, posting a record of 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA (7ER/17.1 IP) including seven walks and 16 strikeouts.