LITSCH SHUT DOWN FOR SIX WEEKS

Jesse Litsch, shown here in Dunedin during a rehab assignment last season. (Eddie Michels photo)

BRADENTON, Fla.—Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jesse Litsch has been shut down by the team for six weeks according to manager John Farrell.

Litsch was on a no throw regiment last week when he developed soreness in his right shoulder.

“Litsch had a setback to the injection (PRP),” said Farrell of the Pinellas Park, Fla. Resident and former Tampa Bay Devil Rays batboy, “He had an infection growing in his shoulder.  He had to have it flushed out (arthroscopic) and is now shut down for six weeks.”

“Litsch was released from the hospital yesterday,” continued Farrell. “And I talked to him, he is very upbeat.  He was in the hospital 2 ½ days.”

Litsch who drafted in the 24^th round of the 2004 June Draft by Toronto has posted a 27-27 record with a 4.16 ERA in four-plus season with the team.