Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman made his second minor league rehab start today with Triple-A Buffalo and the results weren’t particularly impressive. Making his way back from a torn ACL in his left knee, the 24-year-old gave up four runs on eight hits and four walks over three innings while throwing just 44 out of 79 pitches for strikes.
While the results weren’t there, Stroman told Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca that he felt great physically and is ready to contribute in the majors.
The next step for Stroman is up in the air. He has been talked about to start Saturday in a big series against the Yankees, but nothing is official yet. Mark Buehrle is the other option to start Saturday, but he had his shortest start of the season this afternoon against the Red Sox and has been dealing with some unspecified “aches and pains” of late. For what it’s worth, the veteran southpaw has also historically struggled at the new Yankee Stadium. There’s some risk either way, but Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca writes that the Blue Jays may be leaning toward going with Stroman and pushing back Buehrle.
Stroman was considered a breakout candidate for many this spring after posting a 3.65 ERA and 111/28 K/BB ratio in 130 2/3 innings over 20 starts and six relief appearances as a rookie in 2014. The Blue Jays are already looking dangerous, but a healthy and effectiveness Stroman could make them even better.
