Toronto Blue Jays: Players Who Stepped Up in the ALDS Series

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada throws a pitch against the Texas Rangers in the first inning in game three of the ALDS at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Marco Estrada

After the Blue Jays sent out their big guns in Price and Stroman, the pressure lied on the shoulders of Estrada, who went from starting the season in the bullpen to pitching in the most important game of the Blue Jays season.

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GM Alex Anthopoulos deserves a lot of credit for the moves that he made in the offseason to get Josh Donaldson, Russell Martin, David Price and Troy Tulowitzki, but his most underrated move has to be the trade for Estrada. Back in November the Blue Jays traded Adam Lind to the Milwaukee Brewers for Estrada in what was seen as a minor deal, but it has been one of the most crucial. In 6.1 innings he had four strikeouts, a 1.42 ERA , no walks and held Texas batters to a .208 batting average.

This should give the Blue Jays a lot of confidence because what could have happened if the team did not move Estrada to the rotation. Estrada made the decision to leave Mark Buehrle off the postseason roster easier and hopefully he can continue this as it looks like he will get the call in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals.

Next: Troy Tulowitzki