Fansided

X-Factors for each MLB playoff team

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts to catcher Russell Martin (55) on his three run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts to catcher Russell Martin (55) on his three run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) throws against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) throws against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman

Toronto’s deadline acquisitions of Troy Tulowitzki, David Price, and some other role pieces has turned the club into a seemingly unstoppable machine over the past couple of months. Tulowitzki improved an already potent lineup, while Price provided the much-needed front-line pitcher that helped the rest of the rotation fall into place.

However, another late addition to the rotation could be what puts the Blue Jays over the top. The electrifying Marcus Stroman was able to return faster than expected from a torn ACL suffered in spring training and appears on track to be a playoff starter for the Blue Jays come October.

Stroman looked like a future ace in his debut last season. At just 23 years old, Stroman posted a 3.65 ERA (2.84 FIP) over 130.2 innings, with an impressive walk rate of 5.2 percent per FanGraphs.

Those numbers could be a big boost for Toronto’s playoff rotation, which is still a bit of a question mark at the moment. It’s unclear how much the Blue Jays will trust Mark Buehrle or Marco Estrada in the postseason, and Drew Hutchison has been unable to live up to his potential this year.

If Stroman can slide in as the No. 3 after Price and R.A. Dickey, Toronto will be in great shape. As good as the Blue Jays’ lineup is, starting pitching will make the difference in October.

Stroman pitched a very important game in his season debut, allowing three runs in five innings against the New York Yankees on Sep. 12, and has been very strong since. With more time in the rotation to get up to speed, Stroman should get even better.

Next: New York Yankees: Greg Bird

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