In a surprising move, the Toronto Blue Jays will start right-handed relief pitcher Tyler Clippard Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

The 33-year-old has started just eight games in his 12-year career, the last coming in 2008 with the Washington Nationals. 

Clippard is 4-3 with a 3.73 ERA and seven saves over 50.2 innings pitched this season, his first in Toronto. 

The Blue Jays (48-59) were swept 3-0 by the Athletics in games played Monday through Wednesday in Oakland.