Hayhurst heartened by stint with Jays

Things couldn't have gone much worse when Dirk Hayhurst made his major league debut for the San Diego Padres last season.

When the 51s right-hander returned to the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays this year, things couldn't have gone much better.

In nearly two months with Toronto, Hayhurst compiled a 1.72 ERA in 12 appearances, allowing three runs on 17 hits in 15 2/3 innings, with nine strikeouts and eight walks.

"Barring a few walks here and there, it couldn't have gotten much better than it did," the 28-year-old said before the 51s' 8-2 victory over Round Rock on Thursday at Cashman Field. "I'm confident I can go up there and do it again and be successful in a more priority role should I get the opportunity, and I hope to."

Hayhurst, who is on Toronto's 40-man roster, was used mostly in long relief or a mop-up role by Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston but said that allowed him to get comfortable.

"This time up, I wasn't thrown right in the fire," Hayhurst said. "They kind of got me into a groove where I had success and could build confidence. They put me in situations where there wasn't a lot of pressure, and I came out OK."

In contrast, Hayhurst recalls little except discomfort with the Padres, who promoted him as a starter despite the fact he had relieved in 44 of 46 games with Triple-A Portland.

"I wasn't quite prepared for that, especially starting in the big leagues," he said. "I got thrown into it pretty fast. I didn't know what to do, so I kind of caved in."

In 10 games for San Diego, Hayhurst allowed 18 runs on 27 hits and 10 walks in 16 2/3 innings. But he said he learned some valuable lessons and became a better pitcher for it.

"I got my feet wet and got my nose bloodied when I went up there the first time," said Hayhurst, who was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays. "But I went up this year with the expectations I was just going to throw it all out there, and if I get beat up again, I get beat up again. But I'm not afraid of anything, and I'm just going to attack, attack, attack.

"I think that's the only approach you can have, go out and leave it all on the table."

Despite his solid showing with Toronto, Hayhurst was optioned back to Las Vegas on July 28, the day that Blue Jays pitcher Scott Richmond was activated from the disabled list.

"It may not seem fair, but it's part of paying your dues," Hayhurst said. "You thank them for the opportunity and work hard to get another one.

"I left up there with a lot to be proud of. That gives me a lot of confidence if I return. I know what I can do, and I'm hungry to be successful up there again."

Hayhurst hurled a scoreless inning for the 51s on Thursday, allowing two hits, with a strikeout and no walks. He's 4-5 with a 4.26 ERA for Las Vegas.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.