Zambrano appeared in eight games for Toronto, posting an 0-2 record with a 10.97 ERA.

The Jays signed the 31-year-old to a Minor League contract on Jan. 30, with a $4 million club option for 2008. At the time of the signing, Zambrano was rehabbing from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery and wasn't expected to be ready for the start of the season.

In Spring Training, though, Zambrano made his case that he was ahead of schedule and ready to return. He impressed the team after going 1-0 with a 2.29 ERA over 19 2/3 innings. Zambrano started the season in Toronto's bullpen, but wasn't able to duplicate his spring success.

On May 9, Zambrano was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain. His struggles continued while going on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse. He managed just a 3-2 record with a 7.40 ERA.

Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi signed Zambrano along with right-handers Tomo Ohka and John Thomson to provide veteran depth to the Jays' starting rotation. None of the three are still with the organization, in part because of the emergence of 25-year-old right-handers Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan. McGowan is 5-4 with a 4.65 ERA in 12 starts, while Marcum has been even more impressive, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.02 ERA in 11 starts.