Josh

Banks

Banks is 7-10 with a 4.00 ERA, 127 H and 117/8 K/BB in 126 IP for New Hampshire. His command could make him a fourth starter for the Blue Jays.

Banks has struggled mightily over the last few weeks, ruining what chances he had of receiving a first-half callup. He’s 1-5 with a 5.65 ERA.

Banks, who is being represented by former major leaguer Gary Sheffield, threw in front of Orioles officials at the organization’s minor league complex. The 29-year-old former second-round pick posted a 4.24 ERA and 10/4 K/BB ratio across 17 innings last year for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League.

Banks, who is being represented by former major league Gary Sheffield, apparently impressed Orioles officials during his workout Tuesday morning in Sarasota, Florida. The Yankees and Dodgers were also said to have interest in the 29-year-old right-hander.

The Jays could easily lose RHP Jamie Vermilyea or LHP Davis Romero in the Rule 5 draft. Neither has a lot of upside, but Romero, at least, should have been protected.

Banks is a native of Charm City, so it will be a special night for him. “It’ll be good for him,” manager John Gibbons said. “Plus, we want to get an extended look at him.”

The 25-year-old Banks gets to make his major league debut after going 12-10 with a 4.63 ERA for Syracuse. He’s a candidate to make some starts this month, but it’s unlikely that he’ll do much with them. He looked like a far better bet to make it as a fourth starter a couple of years ago.

Banks looks like a lesser Josh Towers at this point. He’ll be a long shot to make the Blue Jays out of spring training.

The Padres won the game 4-3 in comeback fashion. Banks was serviceable, holding the Astros to just five hits, including a home run to Lance Berkman, while whiffing four and walking one. Remember that he enjoyed 22 shutout innings after his recall last season, but it didn’t take him long to come back down to Earth. Expect nothing less this time.