Toronto Blue Jays: Stroman should think long-term and shut it down

Still struggling with a blister, Marcus Stroman had a disastrous outing on Monday night and you have to wonder why the Toronto Blue Jays allowed him to return from the disabled list.

Marcus Stroman returned from the 10-day disabled list on Monday night. And in keeping with this season for the Toronto Blue Jays, it was a disaster.

The Tampa Bay Rays came out swinging and blitzed Stroman early, with six hits and four earned runs. Unsurprisingly, he was removed from the game after just 1.2 innings of action.

The Blue Jays went on to lose 7-1 to the Rays, but a loss is nothing new in what has been a nightmare year. As such, most of the focus post-game, was on Stroman’s performance and what went wrong.

There was no doubt the 27-year-old was impacted by the blister which had sent him to the DL in the first place. The question is, why was he brought back so quickly, especially with the chance at a postseason appearance long gone?

Stroman explained the reason, which simultaneously earned respect and second-guessing. As reported by the Canadian Press, via Sportsnet, he said:

"“I like to compete. I don’t like sitting. I only get to go out there one every five days to begin with. Being out there every fifth day is a priority. I hate being on the DL. I hate watching. I hate not being out there. It frustrates me. It kills me inside, honestly. I’m going to do everything in my power to be out there.”"

As admirable as Stroman’s resolve is, it’s times like this when he needs to be smarter. If the Blue Jays were challenging for a wild card spot, you could certainly understand his approach.

However, given the team’s record, there really is little to be gained by returning to the mound, while the right-hander’s blister is still not entirely healed. In that respect, the Blue Jays themselves should have played it smarter.

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

Yes, Stroman has had a terrible year — the worst of his career. However, he still has staff ace potential and is just one season removed from his best campaign since entering the Majors in 2014.

As such, why wouldn’t the Blue Jays shut down the 2012 first round draft pick now? Give him a head start on recovering, in preparation for coming back fresh and — hopefully — blister-free next season.

In addition, it’s not as if the team has no experience of the compromising effect of blisters. Look no further than a certain Aaron Sanchez, who also has staff ace potential.

Manager John Gibbons‘ insisted Stroman’s blister was healed. And yet, he admitted after Monday’s game, that the pitcher was still being bothered by it.

There is just no need for Stroman to be out there, no matter how much he hates missing time. Play it safe, and just shut him down now.

What would you do with Stroman if you were in the Toronto Blue Jays’ position? Allow him to play through the blister issue, send him back to the 10-day DL, or shut him down for the remainder of the season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.