5 Keys to a strong 2nd half for the Toronto Blue Jays

Jul 9, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman (54) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5.)    Don’t fall prey to innings limits

With two young arms in Drew Hutchison and Marcus Stroman holding down very important spots in the rotation, there has become  growing concern that one or both could have inning limitations imposed on them.

Hutchison is in his first year back from Tommy John surgery and his 110 innings are just 39.1 away from his career high, set in 2011 when he was splitting time between Lansing, Dunedin, and New Hampshire. That’s a significant climb, and there has been times when Hutch has looked tired. However, there have also been times when he has looked dominant.

Likewise, Marcus Stroman has thrown 53.1 innings for the Blue Jays this season and another 35.2 for the Buffalo Bisons earlier this year. 2013 was his first year as a starter in the mInor league level and his set a career-high with 111.2 innings of work in just his second year of pro ball.

Unfortunately, the Blue Jays don’t have any other options to fall back on, and their needs on the offensive side of the ball are outweighing their need to make a move for the rotation. With both pitchers being just 23-years-old, the Blue Jays have an obvious desire to protect them for the future, and both will play a big role for the team along with Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris. However, the fate of the 2014 team falls pretty heavily on what the Jays choose to do with these two arms, and putting them on an innings limit will be likened to waving the flag and surrendering the season.