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Stroman, Tillman to start in AL wild-card game

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman will start against the Baltimore Orioles in the American League wild-card game at Rogers Centre on Tuesday, general manager Ross Atkins told MLB Network Radio.

Facing him on the mound for the Orioles will be right-hander Chris Tillman, Baltimore announced.

Toronto's choice for a wild-card starter came down to either Stroman or Francisco Liriano, and Atkins said the team elected to go with the 25-year-old right-hander due to his impressive performances late last season after returning from a torn ACL.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons echoed his general manager's assessment, adding that the decision wasn't so simple.

"It wasn't easy. I think Stro's the perfect guy," Gibbons told reporters. "He got it done for us last year."

Gibbons added that Liriano and fellow starter Marco Estrada will be available out of the bullpen, if necessary.

Stroman posted a 4.37 ERA in 32 starts this season, though he crafted a 4.17 ERA in three starts in last year's postseason.

Tillman has been one of the Orioles' most reliable pitchers in 2015, finishing with a team-best 16-6 record and a 3.77 ERA.

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