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Romero fans six in six innings of work

Over the past year, no team has enjoyed playing at Yankee Stadium less than the Blue Jays.

The team has dropped its last seven contests in New York, a streak that dates back to May 23, 2011.

Toronto will send Ricky Romero to the hill on Wednesday, hoping he can not only get the team out of its Bronx funk, but prevent a series sweep.

Romero has combined to allow just three runs on 10 hits during his last two outings, both of which were quality starts. He was the tough-luck loser on Friday against the Indians, outdueled by Justin Masterson in a 1-0 loss.

"Through everything, I knew what I can do and it was just a matter of getting back on my own side, and I feel like I'm there [now]," Romero said after his last start. "Just have to continue to work hard, and we have a whole second half. The good thing is, this team is in the playoff hunt and hopefully we're able to win some games, and that's pretty much the bottom line."

He'll be up against New York right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who is trying to return to his winning ways after two rough starts in July.

After a dominant June in which he went 4-1 and had five quality starts, Kuroda has struggled during his two starts in July. The right-hander has combined to allow 12 runs on 18 hits in 13 innings.

On Friday against the Angels, he took a no-decision after giving up five runs on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings, including two home runs.

"Especially when you have people on base, and you give up a three-run home run to Mark Trumbo, it's really frustrating," Kuroda said after the game. "Other than that, I pitched really well, and I'd like to build on that."

Blue Jays: Bautista placed on DL
The Blue Jays' injury woes continued on Tuesday when slugger Jose Bautista was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left wrist inflammation.

Forced to leave Monday's game against the Yankees in the eighth inning, Bautista injured his wrist during a swing against New York right-hander David Robertson. Bautista was immediately sent Monday night for X-rays, which came back negative.

"His absence will certainly be more of a challenge for us. Any time you take one of the premier right-handed hitters in baseball out of a lineup, it's going to create a little bit of a hole," manager John Farrell said. "Much like the injuries we've sustained in our rotation, we haven't used it as an excuse, we haven't allowed that to distract us from what our end result is, but still, Jose is not only an All-Star, but one heck of a player and leader on our club."

Yankees: Gardner has MRI on elbow
• Outfielder Brett Gardner underwent an MRI on Tuesday after experiencing a third setback in his recovery from a right elbow strain.

Gardner took four at-bats in a simulated game Sunday, then felt soreness Tuesday and cancelled plans to continue his rehab.

Manager Joe Girardi didn't dismiss the notion that Gardner could be on the roster in September and October solely for pinch-running and defensive purposes if he continues to experience setbacks swinging the bat.

• Joba Chamberlain retired all three batters he faced on Tuesday with the GCL Yankees. The right-hander has struck out eight and is yet to allow a hit or walk in five innings over four rehab appearances since suffering an open dislocation of his right ankle in March.

Worth noting
• Toronto first baseman Edwin Encarnacion has recorded a hit in 23 of his last 24 games on the road, dating back to May 13. He's hit .385 (37-for-96) in that span with eight home runs and 19 RBIs.

• Webb Simpson, the 2012 U.S. Open champion, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday's game.

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