On March 10, with more than three weeks left in Spring Training, Marcus Stroman tore his ACL, which many predicted would end his season. Stroman was fantastic out of the starting role in his first taste of MLB action, and posted an ERA of 3.29, along with an FIP of 2.79.
He was another sign of what makes the future of baseball so bright, as Stroman was entering his second year in the big leagues in his age 24 season. However the torn ACL appeared as if it was going to cost Stroman all of 2015. Fortunately that's not the case, as he defied the odds and completed his rehab far ahead of schedule; and even went back to finish his degree.
He pitched for Toronto's AAA team, and despite a rough outing, Stroman and his coaches believe he's ready for big league action.
John Gibbons just said on @MLBNetwork that Marcus Stroman will pitch for @BlueJays on Saturday. Mark Buehrle is "a little banged up."
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 8, 2015
Marcus Stroman supposedly had season-ending knee surgery 6 months ago. Instead, he makes 2015 debut vs. @Yankees in heat of pennant race.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 8, 2015
Stroman will make his 2015 debut in one of Toronto's biggest games of the year. As of this writing, the Blue Jays have a 0.5 game lead over New York, and their upcoming series could provide some separation in the standings. The Yankees will also have to contend with David Price, who in a roundabout way may have been acquired because of Stroman's injury.
While it's impossible to know what Alex Anthopoulos would have done at the deadline if Stroman had never torn his ACL, it's fair to wonder if he would have needed to trade for someone like Price.
Since the July deadline, Toronto has posted a record of 28-7, and adding Stroman will likely make them even tougher to beat. His arm is fully rested, and if the Blue Jays make the playoffs, Price and Stroman will be a fearsome duo.