Previous rumors already indicated Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher Marcus Stroman could be back with the team in September after tearing his ACL in spring training. Now, after tearing his Achilles in April, Adam Wainwright is inching closer to rejoining the St. Louis Cardinals.
Wainwright's potential return was touched upon a couple of months ago, but the latest on the right-hander is great news for the MLB-best Cardinals.
"Wainwright came jumping into [manager Mike] Matheny's office this week, and said his arm feels the best it has ever felt," writes ESPN Insider Jim Bowden. "GM John Mozeliak said it was 'a big if' when I asked him if Wainwright would pitch again this year, and if it happens, he said it will be in a relief role. However, Matheny gives the impression he's not betting against Wainwright, and tells me Wainwright has been saying he'll be returning this year to start, not relieve. I also wouldn't bet against Wainwright returning -- as a starter or reliever -- by mid-September."
The right-hander told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com last week he's going to try as hard as he can to get back and pitch this season despite his projected nine-to-12 month recovery timetable. St. Louis already leads the MLB in team ERA (2.67) and starters' ERA (2.82), so getting Wainwright back could further propel the rotation into unrivaled territory.
He was 2-1 with a 1.44 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in four starts (25 innings) before the injury.
In the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays lead the AL East thanks to a ninth-inning rally last night against the Texas Rangers. If they have one weakness on this team, it's the starting rotation, which ranks 14th in the MLB in team ERA (4.14).
The unit has been improving, but more help could be on the way.
"The Jays are preparing for the return of pitcher Marcus Stroman, who was in line to be the team's Opening Day starter before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in March," Bowden adds. "The Blue Jays are planning for him to return this season, and as a starter not a reliever, according to GM Alex Anthopoulos, though he could help the team in either role. Stroman could be the added boost the team needs to win the AL East, and also takes them one step closer toward being a World Series contender."
Stroman, 24, told FOX Sports' Jon Morosi earlier this week that he felt "great" after pitching in a simulated game. He has another one coming up on Friday and then he'll head to Triple-A Buffalo for rehab starts before making his 2015 debut.
In rookie season last year, Stroman finished 11-6 with a 3.65 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 26 games (20 starts), totaling 130 2/3 innings. He could be an invaluable addition to the Jays' rotation as they look to make the postseason for the first time in 21 years.
Stay tuned for updates on Wainwright and Stroman in the coming days/weeks.