Blue Jays rule out Stroman as Opening Day starter

Marcus Stroman will not be the Opening Day starter for the Toronto Blue Jays as they face the New York Yankees on March 29.

Manager John Gibbons confirmed the decision Monday while speaking with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

"My best judgment says it makes no sense at this time, because we want him healthy the whole year," Gibbons explained. "He doesn’t like that. I get that. But I think it’s best for him and best for the team."

Stroman felt "great" during a bullpen session Monday morning, Gibbons said, but the Blue Jays aren't interested in rushing him back from the right shoulder inflammation he's experienced throughout the spring.

He could still pitch during the opening series, Gibbons added.

The manager didn't disclose who would get the Opening Day nod, but his options are J.A. Happ, Marco Estrada, Aaron Sanchez, and Jaime Garcia.

Stroman, 26, is coming off a career year where he won 13 games and posted a 3.09 ERA in 201 innings pitched. He finished eighth in American League Cy Young voting and won his first Gold Glove.