The Toronto Blue Jays opened their 2015 season in impressive fashion, beating their division rivals, the New York Yankees, 6-1 at Yankee Stadium Monday afternoon. The team getting off to a great start isn’t the only good news for Jays fans, however.
According to a report done by sportsnet.ca’s Arden Zwelling, pitcher Marcus Stroman hopes to return to the mound before season’s end. The 23-year-old suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a spring training fielding drill and was originally ruled out for the entire season.
Stroman is remaining positive, however, and isn’t prepared to let his injury keep him down.
“I know they’re saying I’m going to be out the whole year, but I still have hope. My thought process is I’m going to be ready for September,” Stroman explained to Zwelling.
“I’m not going to rush it. I would never come back prematurely. I’m going to make sure I’m absolutely 100 percent when I come back. But I want to be back on the mound in September. That’s what I’m working towards.”
Stroman has become popular among Jays fans with his positive attitude that has caught the eye of many. It may be surprising to fans to expect him back this season, but it speaks volumes to the young pitcher’s perspective.
Following his surgery in March, the pitcher struggled to tie his own shoe laces and now he’s already off crutches and back in the gym performing leg exercises.
Stroman discussed his progress with Zwelling over the past couple weeks and his plan for the recover processes. “There’s still some pain now and then. But it’s part of the process."
“I’m not scared to push it. I’m not gonna push it over the limit, but I’m gonna push it to the limit.”
There isn’t any guarantees Stroman will be back in action this season, however. With a long ways to go before he recovers, only time will tell. The question that may come up from a few fans is, 'What will happen if the Jays are in the post season race?'. Will they risk him or wait until next year?
Stroman admits it was tough to watch his teammates win from home and not be apart of it. “I was so happy the guys had success. They looked really good. But watching it sucked.”
Although it was never confirmed by Jays manager John Gibbons, many had Stroman to be the ace and opening day starter of the Blue Jays roster this season. Stroman said he heard chatter about him being the starter in New York, but that’s all behind him. For now, he’s using it as extra motivation to recover and get back on the mound in September.
“It’s not like I’m just sitting on my ass at home all day. I’m doing everything I can to get better."
“Because if there’s an opportunity for me to come back this year and help this team, I want to be ready to go. I’m all in. One hundred percent. I want to be there.”
