Blue Jays’ Gibbons wary of Stroman continuing to pitch with blister

Marcus Stroman struggled to make it out of the second inning and the Toronto Blue Jays got crushed by the Tampa Bay Rays.

TORONTO – The blister that sidelined Marcus Stroman for the second half of August reappeared Monday and now threatens to interfere with the finish to an already frustrating season for the right-hander.

Stroman lasted just 1.2 innings in his first start since Aug. 17, allowing four runs on six hits to the Tampa Bay Rays. Afterwards he acknowledged that he had trouble developing feel for his pitches but said he’ll make his next start if at all possible.

“I like to compete and I don’t like sitting,” Stroman said. “I only get to play once every five days to begin with, so being out there every fifth day is a priority and something that I always want to do. I hate being on the DL. I hate watching. I hate not being out there. It frustrates me and kills me inside.”

Still, the Blue Jays are disinclined to rush Stroman back and may urge the 27-year-old to take a more cautious approach.

“That’s probably what’s going to happen,” manager John Gibbons said. “I would recommend that, to be honest with you. I don’t know yet, in all fairness to him, but it’s clearly affecting him. No doubt. I’ve seen enough of the kid (to know).”

Stroman spent time on the disabled list with a shoulder injury earlier in the season, and even when he has pitched he hasn’t been as effective as usual, posting a 5.54 ERA.

“Very frustrating, there’s no other way to put it,” he said. “But I know what I’m capable of. I know what I’ve done in this game. I know when my finger’s good and my shoulder’s good I know what I’m capable of doing out there, it’s just a matter of getting to that point. And I know I’ll get it there in the off-season, but I’m trying to do everything in my power now to be out there every fifth day.”

Depending on the severity of the blister, the Blue Jays could talk to Stroman about shutting it down for the year. Stroman didn’t eliminate that option completely, but he doesn’t appear to be entertaining it seriously right now.

“I love being out there every fifth day and competing and this is kind of hindering that,” he said. “The last thing I want to do is shut it down regardless of how many games we have left or regardless of what the games mean. I pride myself on going out there with my team every fifth day and competing with my brothers.”

Ryan Borucki starts for the Blue Jays Tuesday followed by Aaron Sanchez on Wednesday. Sam Gaviglio, Sean Reid-Foley and Marco Estrada are also in the Toronto rotation, giving the Blue Jays five starters even if Stroman needs additional time to heal.

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