Big Steps for Stieb in Minors

Dave Stieb, trying to make a comeback at age 40 for the Toronto Blue Jays, won for the second time in a week in the Florida State League, pitching Dunedin over Brevard County, 6-4.

Stieb, the Blue Jays’ career win leader with 174, pitched five scoreless innings before leaving in the sixth with the bases loaded and no outs. All three runners eventually scored.

Stieb (2-0) struck out nine, gave up six hits and walked three. His fastball was consistently around 89 mph, about the same speed he threw when he left the majors in 1993.

“I overthrew on the walks and missed my spots on the base hits,” Stieb said. “But the first five innings were great, I was going right after them and I felt really good.”

Stieb’s next game will be Thursday when he pitches for Toronto against its triple-A Syracuse team in an exhibition. Stieb is scheduled to make at least two more starts for Dunedin.