Toronto Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman shines in first start of 2019 season

Toronto Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman went seven scoreless innings in the team’s 2-0 Opening Day loss to the Detroit Tigers

After his first start of spring training, Toronto Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman surrendered a home run to former teammate Troy Tulowitzki on his second pitch of the game. He would go two innings in that game, surrendering three hits and two earned runs while striking out just one.

Following that start, the right-hander claimed that he’d return to top form in 2019.

"“My shoulder feels great. I haven’t felt like this since 2017. Last year was a battle, so just to be able to go out there knowing that I have my entire arsenal and repertoire in the tank, it’s going to be a fun year,” Stroman said, according to Newsday’s David Lennon. “… I’m going to be special this year, I promise.”"

Stroman made good on that promise in his first start of the season, as the Jays’ Opening Day starter threw seven shutout innings while allowing just two hits, walking four, and striking out seven.

Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, his offence could only muster a pair of hits in a 2-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.

Stroman had an up and down start to the game. He walked three batters in the first four innings of the game but was able to get out of those situations unscathed.

"“I was just a little too amped up coming out early. Ideally, I never want to have that many walks in a game so that’s something I’ll look to improve on in the next start,” Stroman told reporters postgame."

His counterpart, Jordan Zimmermann, held the Jays hitless into the seventh inning. Teoscar Hernandez ruined the perfect game after he managed to beat out a ball hit to Tigers second baseman Josh Harrison.

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Joe Biagini would replace Stroman in the eighth inning, and he would promptly strike out the side. Closer Ken Giles would work the ninth and do the exact same.

Daniel Hudson would come in to pitch in the 10th inning. Unfortunately for the new signing, his debut didn’t go to plan. He allowed a leadoff double to Niko Goodrum and then a two-run blast to Christin Stewart. He would also plunk Jordy Mercer before getting out of the frame.

The Jays would go quietly in the bottom half, as Justin Smoak, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Kevin Pillar went down in order to end the game.

"“Me and Jansen were on the same page. I think he did a great job mixing pitches and keeping their hitters off balance,” Stroman said."

The Jays will continue their season-opening seven-game homestand on Friday. They play the Tigers for three more games before welcoming the Baltimore Orioles to town on Monday.

Stroman is projected to get his second start of the year in the second game of that series.

What did you think of Stroman’s season debut? How do you think he will fare the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments section below!