Marcus Stroman is considered one of the players likeliest to be traded before the July 31 deadline, but he is facing a more pressing issue now.
The Toronto Blue Jay ace left Saturday’s start against the Kansas City Royals in the top of the fifth inning. After throwing a pitch, he called the trainer to the mound and left immediately.
The nature of the injury was unclear, but the velocity of Stroman’s last pitch was clearly lower than his game average.
Marcus Stroman leaves game T5 after experiencing some discomfort on mound. Pitching coach Pete Walker and trainer Nikki Huffman follow him down into tunnel to clubhouse.#BlueJays
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 29, 2019
Marcus Stroman's final pitch was an 89.5 mph two-seamer, well off his game average of 92.4. He didn't finish the pitch and immediately called out Huffman.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 29, 2019
Stroman is a competitive guy who hates coming out of games, so for him to call for a trainer and leave immediately indicates he must have been in serious discomfort. He was widely expected to be a trade candidate, but Toronto’s focus will be to ensure that he’s healthy going forward.
The Blue Jays later said Stroman had a left shoulder pectoral cramp.
UPDATE: RHP Marcus Stroman was removed from today's game with a left shoulder pectoral cramp.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 29, 2019
