Stroman calls out MLB for blister epidemic: 'It's not a coincidence'

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman was forced to leave Monday's game against the New York Yankees after five innings with a blister.

Stroman told reporters after the game that this hasn't happened before, according to Sportsnet's Arash Madani.

"I've never had a blister ever in my life," Stroman said. "Nothing even remotely close to having a blister. It's crazy. It's extremely frustrating. I feel it's an epidemic that's happened across the big leagues right now - a bunch of pitchers getting blisters, guys who have never had blisters before. So, for MLB to turn their back to it, I think that's kind of crazy. Extremely frustrating."

One complaint that has picked up steam is the notion that the balls are juiced, resulting in a greater trajectory for balls coming off the bat and an influx in home runs. A theory around how this has been achieved is by lowering the seams.

Boston Red Sox starter David Price is among those who have commented about blisters and cracked nails and their connection to the perceived difference in seams.

Major League Baseball, for its part, has reportedly grown tired of the speculation and has issued memos to the 30 teams saying there is "no evidence" the balls have been juiced.

When asked if he had a theory, Stroman was vague but insisted the issue isn't normal.

"I have no theory, but obviously, I mean, it's not a coincidence that it's happening to so many guys all of a sudden," he said. "It's not a coincidence."