Marcus Stroman Rips MLB, Says There Is 'Epidemic' with Pitchers Getting Blisters

After leaving Monday's game with a blister, Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman questioned whether the baseballs issued by MLB are creating problems for pitchers across the league.

Sportsnet's Arash Madani shared Stroman's comments:

MLB is experiencing a surge in home runs. According to FanGraphs, pitchers are allowing 1.27 homers per nine innings, which is the highest rate dating back to 1900.

That has led some fans to wonder whether the balls are juiced in an effort to increase offense. New York Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen spoke to USA Today's Bob Nightengale about his belief the baseballs are putting pitchers at a disadvantage:

"There's a lot of people unhappy with the baseball, and I'm getting the same feedback. You're seeing guys going opposite field, breaking their bats, and the balls are flying out. It's the balls. They're throwing harder with it, but they're getting less movement, so they're just hanging there."

Nightengale also reported MLB sent out a memo disputing that the baseballs are juiced or otherwise intentionally manipulated.

It's one thing for offense to be up and for pitchers to see their ERAs suffer. MLB may be forced to act if the baseballs are putting pitchers at risk of injury.