Football
Associated Press 18y

Blue Jays 7, Astros 1

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Houston Astros manager Phil Garner says Wandy Rodriguez is a front-runner for one of the last openings in the starting pitching rotation. Rodriguez may not be much longer with starts like the one he had Wednesday.

The left-hander, whose 10 wins last year ranked second among NL rookies, was hit hard for the second time in the spring, allowing three runs in the Astros' 7-1 loss to Toronto. Rodriguez also walked four and threw a wild pitch.

Gregg Zaun, a backup catcher in his third season with the Blue Jays, went 2-for-2 with a double and four RBIss.

Zaun altered his batting stance in the offseason, and so far the switch has paid dividends.

"I made some pretty radical swing changes in the offseason," Zaun said. "It's a work in process, but I'm definitely seeing the ball better and it's a lot more manageable swing."

Zaun, a switch hitter, is batting .667 through three games this spring. He changed his swing stance after watching himself on video.

"I had a couple at-bats last year that really sold me on the idea," Zaun said. "It was kind of accidental, but when I went back and saw the swings on tape, I felt I could do it if I really committed myself to the change."

Zaun, expected to back up free agent acquisition Bengie Molina, said the expected role change hasn't affected his approach to the season.

"My role has changed a little bit for the time being but I am still a Blue Jay and the bottom line is I have to go out there and do my best to help us win," Zaun said.

Casey Janssen, making his first start of the spring, allowed one hit in two scoreless innings. Shaun Marcum pitched three innings and retired six straight, striking out three.

Jeff Bagwell drove in Houston's only run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Notes: Toronto DH Curtis Thigpen hit his fourth double of the spring. ... Blue Jays C Robinzon Diaz was sent down to the Blue Jays' minor league camp.

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