Toronto Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman a doubt for opening day

Marcus Stroman is dealing with right shoulder inflammation and admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be ready for opening day for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Spring training is usually a time for optimism for fans, and Toronto Blue Jays supporters are no different. However, it only takes one negative incident to bring those high hopes tumbling down.

Blue Jays fans suffered one such moment on Tuesday morning. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Arden Zwelling, Marcus Stroman is dealing with some right shoulder inflammation.

Zwelling went on to confirm Stroman underwent an MRI and there isn’t any structural damage. However, even though the Blue Jays are saying they’re not particularly concerned, they are backing him off for now.

"“It’s just been a little tender,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said to Zwelling and other members of the media. “It’s really nothing out of the norm for most guys. But he’s never had it, that I can remember. So, it’s just one of those things. Back him off, get rid of it, and he should be fine.”"

Stroman hopes to resume throwing within four-to-five days. However, while he’s aiming to return for the start of the regular season, he admitted he doesn’t know if he’ll be ready for opening day.

The Athletic‘s John Lott reported the decision was made to shut the 26-year-old down, after he threw a live batting practice session on Feb. 21. Apparently, the shoulder discomfort dates back to January.

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There was one school of thought that the issue could have been as a result of Stroman toying with his delivery during the offseason. However, as per Sportsnet‘s Hazel Mae, he denied this was the case, saying he has tinkered with his delivery throughout his career.

This has already been an eventful time for the 2012 first round draft pick. He vented on Twitter after losing his arbitration case, although he later added he is interested in a long-term extension with the Blue Jays.

Stroman is vital to the team’s hopes of challenging in 2018, so there will be considerable relief his injury is nothing too serious. He is coming off his best season yet, after setting career highs for starts, wins and WHIP.

The 2017 Gold Glove winner also surpassed 200 innings for the second consecutive year and led the rotation with an impressive 3.09 ERA. Here’s hoping he can recover in time for opening day, although the Jays will make sure they don’t rush him back too quickly.

Next: Jays boost bullpen by signing Seung-hwan Oh

It sounds like Stroman will be okay, but what was your initial reaction to hearing about his shoulder inflammation? What kind of year are you predicting for the right-hander? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.