The season is over for Stroman, but the after-shock of his injury could continue all season. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
DUNEDIN, Fla. – An innocent-looking play during a routine spring-training fielding drill resulted in an injury that could change the Toronto Blue Jays’ season.
Their whole season could depend on how well they fill the hole created by a season-ending injury to promising right-hander Marcus Stroman, whose six-pitch repertoire and sparkling personality were supposed to help the Blue Jays take a solid run at a playoff spot.
Stroman, who was 11-6 with a 3.65 earned-run average in his rookie season, was participating in fielding drills to defend against bunts. Third baseman Josh Donaldson called him off on a bunt, Stroman stopped abruptly, something gave in his left knee and he emerged with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The Blue Jays had yet another gap to fill — as if solidifying second base, center field, left field, the No. 5 spot in the rotation and the closer’s role were not enough.
The first result would seem to involve rookie right-hander Aaron Sanchez, who was being considered for either a spot in the starting rotation or in the bullpen, probably as closer. It seems more likely he will be a starter now, although a trade or a free-agent signing could change that.
Right-hander Marco Estrada and rookie left-hander Daniel Norris, who also are in that either-or area, might now be looked at more as starters.
“Our plan for Sanchez was always the same,” general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. “I think it certainly gives him a better opportunity to start but we still have Estrada being stretched out, still have Norris being stretched out, still have the remainder of camp.
“I think we still continue down that path, but there’s no doubt about it, there’s another opportunity there with Stroman being down.”
The Blue Jays often are mentioned in trade rumors about Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels. Anthopoulos answered that in a round-about way.
“Those guys aren’t normally available in March, actually there might be one, but I don’t know that we can afford that right now,” he said. “Realistically, guys that are out of options are normally available at the end spring, guys with out-clauses on minor-league deals, but we’ll look to fill internally. We’ll give these guys an opportunity. Hopefully some of the guys we have in camp emerge and we can get through it.”
Using Sanchez as starter would create ripple effects in the bullpen. Does that mean that left-hander Brett Cecil is more certain to become the closer? If so, who sets up? Does 20-year-old right-handed flame thrower Miguel Castro, who has impressed at spring training, find himself on the fast track to the majors?
The season is over for Stroman, but the after-shock of his injury could continue all season.
