It all began with a remarkable comeback from a torn ACL. Last year was when Marcus Stroman solidified himself as the Toronto Blue Jays' ace-to-be. He made seven starts in 2015 after undergoing ACL surgery in March of last year.
Not only did he make seven starts, but his late return helped the Blue Jays win the AL East and make the postseason for the first time since 1993. His first MLB action in almost a year resulted in a 4-0 record with a 1.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 27 innings of work.
He then pitched Toronto past the Texas Rangers in the ALDS before he (and the rest of the pitching staff) was knocked around by the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS. The remarkable mental and physical strength of the 24-year-old epitomized the attitude and stability of a top-of-the-rotation starter, which is why he's ready to assume such responsibility for the Jays.
Stroman continued his surge on Sunday. He was named the Opening Day starter for the Blue Jays and allowed just one earned run on four hits and a walk through eight innings of work before he came out for the ninth inning. Manager John Gibbons was ready to let him finish the job, but Stroman allowed a solo home run to Corey Dickerson and a single to Desmond Jennings before closer Roberto Osuna relieved him.
Stroman finished the day with three earned runs on six hits and a walk en route to the team's 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. He struck out five and tossed only 98 pitches (74 of which he threw for strikes).
While he did face a relatively weak offensive lineup, the Jays were on the road and it was his first Opening Day start. He was also filling the sizable void left by David Price, who was acquired at last year's trade deadline and then signed with the Boston Red Sox after the season.
The youngster's positivity and teamsmanship, which is incessantly on display on his Twitter account, further proves he's the selfless leader the Blue Jays' rotation has been seeking for a long time.
Additionally, he's allowed just 35 walks and 10 home runs in 165-2/3 career innings.
Toronto also has young arms such as Aaron Sanchez, who won a job in the rotation out of spring training, as well as prospects Conner Greene, Sean Reid-Foley and Jonathan Harris, all of whom could be ready to make their MLB debuts in the next season or two.
With Stroman under contract through the 2020 season, there's no better pitcher in the Blue Jays organization to lead the charge for the foreseeable future. He's proven time and time again that he's ready to conquer whatever challenge is put in front of him, and he's only going to grow as he continues to display such maturity and fearlessness.
