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Report: Blue Jays to tab Estrada as Opening Day starter

Butch Dill / USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays are a step closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster, and "barring unforeseen circumstances," the team's initial starting rotation is in place, according to Sportsnet's Arash Madani.

Right-hander Marco Estrada is in line to make his first Opening Day start following two successful seasons with the Blue Jays. He has gone 22-17 with a 3.30 ERA over his first two campaigns in Toronto and was named to his first ever All-Star team in 2016. He was unable to play at the time due to injury.

The rest of the rotation will alternate handedness with lefty J.A. Happ, Marcus Stroman, Francisco Liriano, and Aaron Sanchez.

The Blue Jays' pitching staff was a beacon of durability in 2016, featuring only seven different starters throughout the season. Estrada suffered minor injuries, but still managed to start in 29 games. He signed a two-year, $26-million contract before the 2016 season, meaning he will be a free agent at the end of the year.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Estrada's Blue Jays resume has been his playoff performance. Despite a 3-3 record, he has only allowed 10 earned runs in 41 2/3 innings over the last two postseasons.

The Blue Jays open the regular season on the road against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, April 3. The first game to be held at Rogers Centre will come on Tuesday, April 11 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

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