Redmond returns as Blue Jays bump back rotation

TORONTO -- Todd Redmond made a spot start in the series opener against the Angels on Monday as the Blue Jays pushed the rest of their rotation back one day.

Redmond's contract was selected from Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday as the club designated lefty reliever Jeff Francis for assignment. The outing marked Redmond's first Major League start since September 2013.

"We're in a long stretch with no off-days, [so we wanted to] give everybody a little break," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "We did it last year and it worked out OK."

The team hopes the extra rest could aid its struggling rotation, which entering play Monday owned the highest ERA in the American League (4.78).

The Blue Jays, who are in the middle of a 20-games-in-20-days stretch, tried something similar last season when Liam Hendriks was called upon in late June to give the rotation a breather.

The move means right-hander Aaron Sanchez will now pitch Tuesday. Following Sanchez in the rotation will be Drew Hutchison on Wednesday, R.A. Dickey on Thursday and Marco Estrada on Friday.

Redmond made four appearances (one start) for the Bisons after he was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays in mid-April. He pitched 4 1/3 innings in two outings with the Blue Jays in 2015, allowing eight earned runs.

Redmond was 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA for Buffalo. He delivered five innings of relief on Tuesday, allowing one earned run on three hits. Gibbons said the right-hander is stretched out enough to start.

"He's started up here before. He's fine," Gibbons said. "He can throw some innings depending on how he's doing. That's not a concern."

• The Blue Jays announced after Monday's 10-6 win that they have recalled right-hander Scott Copeland from Triple-A Buffalo. A corresponding roster move will be made Tuesday. Copeland is 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in six starts with the Bisons this season.