Romero, Stroman assigned to Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league camp

Mar 18, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker takes the ball from starting pitcher Ricky Romero (24) in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers in a spring training exhibition game at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today on Twitter that starting pitchers Ricky Romero and Marcus Stroman have been assigned to minor league camp.

Both players were non-roster invitees to major league spring training and were considered long shots to make the team. Romero, 29, looked like he may have found something early in camp but quickly unraveled in his first start yesterday. In 9.2 innings this spring, he’s walked ten batters with six strikeouts and has allowed four earned runs. He still need to work on pitching in the strike zone consistently if he ever wants to make it back to the Show.

Stroman, 22, also looked good early but has been hit hard in his last couple of outings. A bit more time in Triple-A likely won’t hurt as it appears he’ll need at least a bit more seasoning before he’s truly ready to come up. In 9.2 innings this spring, he’s allowed 15 earned runs (including three home runs) with four walks and eight strikeouts.

The Blue Jays seem to be sticking to their strategy of holding on to players without options, which has been made slightly easier by the lack of legitimate competition from players not currently on the 25-man active roster. It seems a bit strange to me that non-roster invite pitchers Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Walden are still at major league camp but their days are likely numbered and will likely be among the next few players cut.