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Toronto Blue Jays 2019 season preview: Starting rotation boasts strong talent

By Austin Owens

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 5: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by Marcus Stroman #6 as he exits the game in the ninth inning during MLB game action against the Houston Astros on June 5, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 5: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by Marcus Stroman #6 as he exits the game in the ninth inning during MLB game action against the Houston Astros on June 5, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

In a transitional year for the Toronto Blue Jays, the starting rotation looks to be one that features its fair share of talent and experience

The 2019 Major League Baseball season is less than 24 hours away, and the Toronto Blue Jays will open their slate of games in the friendly confines of the Rogers Centre against the Detroit Tigers.

Marcus Stroman has been named the Opening Day starter and the team will have a healthy Aaron Sanchez to open the campaign.

In 2018, the Blue Jays’ rotation was the seventh worst in the majors, accumulating a 5.14 ERA and 4.68 FIP. They were also bottom 10 in the league in innings pitched with just 839 1/3 last year.

The team put an emphasis on adding arms through trades and free agency over the last year and the new additions offer optimism.

There’s certainly a different look to this Jays rotation. 2018 Opening Day starter J.A. Happ was traded to the New York Yankees at last year’s non-waiver trade deadline and Marco Estrada signed with the Oakland Athletics in the offseason.

Additionally, Ryan Borucki will miss at least the first two starts of the season due to discomfort in his elbow.

Matt Shoemaker and Clayton Richard were brought in on short-term deals to help the team in the now. The pair of veterans will eat up innings and try to help the team win as many games as possible.

It’s going to be an interesting year on the mound in Toronto. With that in mind, let’s take a look at this year’s starting rotation for the Blue Jays

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