Marco Estrada Injury: Updates on Blue Jays SP's Back and Return

Already lacking depth in the starting rotation, the Toronto Blue Jays will be without All-Star Marco Estrada for at least two weeks.  

Continue for updates. 

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Estrada to 15-Day DL

Wednesday, July 6

Per Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star, the Blue Jays placed Estrada on the 15-day disabled list. Manager John Gibbons said Bo Schultz will likely be recalled ahead of Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Royals, though Lott noted he "won't arrive in time" to play. 

Toronto was initially hopeful that Estrada would be able to make his next start on Friday with Drew Hutchison likely taking the ball on Thursday, per Tony Ambrogio of TSN 1050. 

Estrada's last start was on Saturday against the Cleveland Indians. He went five innings and allowed three runs on five hits with seven strikeouts. Two days later, per Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star, the right-hander received four shots to help with lingering back pain. 

The 33-year-old Estrada was named to the American League All-Star team on Tuesday thanks to a 2.93 ERA with 99 strikeouts and 64 hits allowed in 104.1 innings this season. 

However, with Estrada landing on the DL, he will be forced to sit out the Midsummer Classic. The Blue Jays will also have to make do without their best pitcher, though Aaron Sanchez's rise in 2016 does give them another strong horse at the top.

Marcus Stroman is the key to Toronto's rotation. He's had a dreadful season with a 5.08 ERA and 118 hits allowed in 108 innings. The Blue Jays enter play Wednesday eight games over .500 without him pitching up to his usual standards. 

If Toronto can come out of the break with Estrada healthy and Stroman pitching close to his usual standards, this team will be lethal in the American League East.