Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Thursday morning that Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada has been pitching through a herniated disk in his back. Estrada made the American League All-Star roster, but was on the disabled list with lower back soreness and was replaced by Corey Kluber.
Since returning on July 22, Estrada has a 5.47 ERA and a 47/19 K/BB ratio in 52 2/3 innings. After averaging 6 2/3 innings per start prior to his DL stint, Estrada has averaged 5 1/3 since.
It’s bad timing for the 79-66 Blue Jays as they’re two games back of the Red Sox for first place in the AL East. They also lead the second AL Wild Card slot by 1.5 games over the Tigers and Mariners. Aaron Sanchez is dealing with a blister issue and the club is trying to limit his innings anyway. If Estrada needs to miss time, the club will have to get even more creative managing the rotation.
