TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays placed left-handed pitcher Ricky Romero on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a strained muscle in his right side.

Romero is 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in three starts. He has struck out 13 batters and walked only four in 21 innings. The move is retroactive to April 20.

Toronto's first-round pick in the 2005 draft, he reached the major leagues for the first time this season, winning a spot in the starting rotation with a strong finish to spring training.

Romero beat Detroit in his debut on April 9 in a matchup with Tigers rookie right-hander Rick Porcello, a first-round pick in 2007.

The Blue Jays will make another roster move before Romero's next scheduled start, Saturday at Chicago against the White Sox.