After watching his team ascend to the top of the standings in the American League East behind the additions of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and pitcher David Price, Marcus Stroman was finally able to make his return to the mound for the Blue Jays this past Saturday. Stroman—the first Duke baseball player to ever be drafted in the first round of the MLB draft—enjoyed a successful rookie campaign in 2014 with a record of 11-6 and an ERA of 3.65. But in spring training, Stroman tore his ACL during fielding drills and was placed on the 60-day disabled list. After spending the summer rehabbing in North Carolina and finishing his degree at Duke, the pitcher made his return to the field in just under six months. The former Blue Devil took to Twitter to express his gratitude for being able to take the mound again.
Feels so good to be back with my brothers. pic.twitter.com/fhWl9qxl0N
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) September 13, 2015
In his return, Stroman started off in a dominant fashion and held the Yankees without a hit for his first four innings. But in the fifth, the former Blue Devil gave up two singles followed by a two-out, three-run homerun by Brett Gardner. Stroman still earned the victory despite exiting the contest after the three-run fifth inning as the Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 10-7. The Medford, N.Y., native finished with two strikeouts and two walks in his five innings of action and a flashed a glimpse of what Blue Jays fans hope will carry them to their first division crown since 1993.
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