World Series : Toronto Blue Jays vs. Atlanta Braves : NOTEBOOK : Gaston Adds Key to Rotation

Toronto Blue Jay Manager Cito Gaston said he would go to a fourth starter, employing veteran left-hander Jimmy Key in Game 4 of the World Series after David Cone pitches tonight and Juan Guzman works Tuesday night in Toronto.

Key made only one appearance in the American League playoff against the Oakland Athletics, pitching three innings of shutout relief.

Gaston started Jack Morris, Cone and Guzman.

“I think they’ve pitched a lot of innings,” he said, “and it’s time to back off.

“It’s not that I saw anything in the Oakland series. I just think it’s a good thing to do. When guys get up to 200, 250 innings, it has an effect.”

Key, 31, was 13-13 in his ninth season with the Blue Jays, going 4-1 in September after a 1-4 August.

“I was hoping for it. I had my heart set on it, and I’m ecstatic now,” Key said of the starting assignment. “But to tell you the truth, I was prepared for it to go either way.”

Atlanta was 34-17 against left-handed pitchers, but as an off-speed, finesse specialist, Key said, “A lot of people tell me I’m the type pitcher who can give a National League team trouble.

“Look at the success Charlie Leibrandt has had since coming to the Braves (from the Kansas City Royals). Tom Glavine pitches a lot like I do. Bud Black has had success in the National League. All of that’s encouraging.”

Key is one of Toronto’s 12 potential free agents, including Joe Carter, Dave Winfield, Tom Henke, Candy Maldonado and Cone.

“I’ve enjoyed my nine years with the Blue Jays,” Key said. “This is probably the best organization in baseball. If any (organization) can afford to maintain a payroll of this size (more than $40 million), it’s this one, but I haven’t gotten caught up in my (contract) situation. I’m satisfied to look at it when the season is over.”