Carlos Villanueva yielded two runs in seven-plus innings Saturday in a no-decision against the Red Sox.

Villanueva allowed just four hits (including a solo homer by Cody Ross) and two walks while striking out six. He was pulled after issuing a leadoff walk in the eighth. Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulous questioned Villanueva's ability to hold up as a starting pitcher earlier this week, but the impending free agent now has a 3.49 ERA and 79/22 K/BB ratio in 85 innings over 14 starts this year. It will be fascinating to see what happens with him this winter.

Carlos Villanueva expressed disappointment Thursday that Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos questioned his ability to hold up as a starting pitcher.

"People are afraid I might blow out. Look, guys blow out every year for any reason at all," said Villanueva, an impending free agent. "I don't really like the advertisement. GMs are influential." Villanueva spoke with Anthopoulos about the matter on Wednesday and is still open to returning to the Blue Jays, but is excited to see what's out there in free agency. The 29-year-old right-hander has been a nice surprise this season, posting a 3.48 ERA and 109/41 K/BB ratio in 111 1/3 innings over 13 starts and 22 relief appearances.

Carlos Villanueva yielded two runs over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Rangers on Saturday.

Villanueva held the Rangers to just four hits while striking out four and walking one. His only mistake was a two-run homer by Nelson Cruz in the top of the fourth inning, but it was enough to put him on the losing side in this one. The 28-year-old right-hander has been a nice surprise since joining the rotation, posting a 3.02 ERA and 54/15 K/BB ratio over 53 2/3 innings in nine starts. He'll look to keep it going next week against the Orioles.

Carlos Villanueva was decent in Wednesday's loss to the Rays, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks in six innings of work.

Villanueva struck out seven in falling to 6-2. The quality start was his first in three outings, but fourth since July 1. He should remain a solid AL-only league own and streaming option going forward. He'll bring a 3.30 ERA into his Monday matchup with the White Sox at home.

Carlos Villanueva (personal) rejoined the Blue Jays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Villaneuva was excused for a couple of days to deal with a personal matter. He will return to his spot in the Toronto rotation on Wednesday night against the Rays.

Carlos Villanueva allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings of Wednesday's loss to the Mariners.

He struck out six, walked none and served up a two-run homer to former teammate Eric Thames. The six-inning outing was Villanueva's fourth in five starts, though the non-quality night was his second straight. A stabilizing force for a Blue Jays rotation that's been torn apart by injury, Villanueva will bring a 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 71/31 K/BB ratio into his Tuesday start in Tampa.

Carlos Villanueva pitched well in Saturday's victory over the Red Sox, allowing three runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings.

He fanned five while walking two in the game. The only mistake he made in the evening left the yard as Jarrod Saltamacchia smashed a three-run homer in the second inning. He's provided a tremendous boost to the Blue Jays rotation, posting a 5-0 record, 2.86 ERA and 62/29 K/BB ratio over his first 56 2/3 innings. He'll look to build on this impressive start when he does battle against the Tigers at home on Friday.

Carlos Villanueva was outstanding in Sunday's victory over the Indians, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings.

He did struggle with his command a bit, walking five in the game, but also showed his dominance by racking up eight strikeouts. With all of the injuries that the Blue Jays have sustained in their rotation this season, they needed something to go right, and Villanueva has provided a nice boost. Through his first three starts, he's 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 21/6 K/BB ratio in 17 innings of work. He's well worthy of a flyer in most mixed leagues for his next start against the Red Sox in Boston on Saturday.

Carlos Villanueva pitched decently in his first start of the 2012 season, surrendering three runs on seven hits over five frames.

He also managed to rack up six strikeouts while walking just one. Villanueva has always had a plus arm and should be considered in most mixed leagues so long as he remains in the Jays rotation. He'll face his next test on Wednesday when he battles the Royals in Toronto.

Carlos Villanueva is expected to transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

"Villanueva is in the mix, yeah," manager John Farrell said. "We haven't determined who's going to start Wednesday. I don't have anything more definitive than that for you right now." The Blue Jays recalled Brett Cecil to replace Brandon Morrow on Friday, but have yet to officially name any replacements for Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchison. Rotoworld expects Villanueva and Jesse Chavez to be added to the starting rotation.

Carlos Villanueva (hand) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Wednesday in Blue Jays camp.

Villanueva tossed a bullpen session Sunday and felt no ill effects when he woke up Monday morning. The 28-year-old should appear in a spring game next week.

Carlos Villanueva (hand) described his bullpen session Friday as "a very good day," and said he is on track to get into game action as soon as next week.

Villanueva was diagnosed with a minor circulatory problem and placed on a medication in February, but the Blue Jays don't appear to be concerned with his status for spring training. The 28-year-old posted a 4.04 ERA and 68/32 K/BB ratio over 107 innings last season and will function as a long reliever in 2012.

Carlos Villanueva (hand) threw 15 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday.

Villanueva said it was "as close to normal" as he's felt since waking up Saturday with a cold feeling in his throwing hand. The 28-year-old right-hander was diagnosed with a minor circulatory issue and was placed on a medication which functions as a blood thinner. He is scheduled to throw a full bullpen session Friday.

Carlos Villanueva (hand) played catch for the second straight day Tuesday without incident.

Villanueva woke up Saturday with a cold feeling in his throwing hand, but he appears to have made progress after being placed on medication which functions as a blood thinner. The 28-year-old posted a 4.04 ERA and 68/32 K/BB ratio over 107 innings last season and projects to open the season in Toronto's bullpen.

Carlos Villanueva (hand) has been cleared to resume his normal spring routine on Tuesday.

Villanueva woke up Saturday with a cold feeling in his throwing hand and was later revealed to be dealing with a circulatory issue. But it's thought to be minor.

Carlos Villanueva is nursing a right hand injury but is expected to be fine.

The right-hander is dealing with a circulatory problem and will be re-evaluated Monday, but the Blue Jays don't seem to be concerned. Villanueva is expected to function as a long reliever for Toronto in 2012 after posting a 4.04 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 68/32 K/BB ratio in 107 innings last season.

The Blue Jays and RHP Carlos Villanueva avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.2775 million contract.

Villanueva, 28, registered a 4.04 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 68/32 K/BB ratio in 107 innings last season for the Blue Jays while making $1.415 million. The right-hander will function as a long reliever for Toronto in 2012.

Blue Jays activated RHP Carlos Villanueva from the 15-day disabled list.

Villanueva was placed on the disabled list in early-August with a strained right forearm. The Blue Jays want to limit his workload, so he is expected to pitch out of the bullpen the rest of the way. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 4.24 ERA and 63/26 K/BB ratio over 97 1/3 innings this season.

Carlos Villanueva (forearm) has yet to begin throwing from a mound.

He's throwing off flat ground without any issues, but a timetable for his return won't be established until he shows he can throw from the bump. Villanueva will return as a reliever when he's ready.

Carlos Villanueva (forearm) will pitch in relief when he returns from the disabled list.

Villanueva is currently rehabbing a right forearm strain at the Blue Jays' minor league complex in Dunedin, Florida. While the Blue Jays will be careful with him the rest of the way, they haven't ruled out using him as a starter again in 2012.