DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman will miss the entire 2015 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during fielding drills Tuesday.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said the 23-year-old right-hander will seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, and surgery is likely.
Anthopoulos said Stroman was participating in bunting practice when third baseman Josh Donaldson called him off. Stroman planted his feet to stop, then felt a pop in his knee. An MRI confirmed the tear.
“He did a great job for us last year, but you move forward,” Anthopoulos said. “That’s all you can do. … No doubt, to lose a guy like Stroman is a significant loss for us.”
Stroman was 11-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 26 games last season.
Toronto’s options to replace Stroman in the rotation include right-handers Aaron Sanchez and Marco Estrada and lefty Daniel Norris, the team’s top pitching prospect. Jeff Francis, who’s in camp with a minor league contract, is another possibility.
Anthopoulos didn’t rule out the possibility of a trade for a starting pitcher.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
