Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman dealing with shoulder inflammation

According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet pitcher Marcus Stroman is reportedly dealing with right shoulder inflammation however an MRI did not reveal any structural damage.

Marcus Stroman will be shut down for the time being until the inflammation subsides, hopefully, this is just a case of the Jays being extra cautious due to spring training and nothing serious. Stroman is tabbed to be the Opening Day starter when the Jays host the New York Yankees on March 29th in Toronto.

Stroman suffered a near season-ending injury in 2015 when the hurler tore his ACL in his knee participating in bunting drills in Dunedin. The hurler incredibly made his way back before the end of the season making 4 regular season appearances and another 3 in the postseason.

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If this turns out to be more than just inflammation it would deal a huge blow to the Jays and their chances out of the gate. At this point in time, the Jays would have to look at Joe Biagini stepping in to cover for Stroman in the event of an extended absence.

Initially, it was thought Biagini would return to the Jays bullpen but there have been internal discussions for “Big Joe’ to go down to Buffalo and stay stretched out as a 6th starter in the event of an injury.

Stroman was a workhorse for the Jays last season pitching 201 innings, the second straight campaign he has eclipsed the 200-inning mark. The 26-year old was 13-9 with a 3.09 earned run average accumulating a 5.8 WAR in 33 starts in 2017.

The “Stro-Show” grabbed national attention last spring when he pitching Team USA to a World Baseball Classic championship and being crowned the MVP of the tourney.

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We will surely receive an update from the Jays in the coming hours on the prognosis and expected timeline for Stroman moving forward at which time we can ascertain the extent of the injury.

Stroman undoubtedly will remind us all on Twitter to “Never Panic, Just Manage”. Easier said than done.