Blue Jays stand pat as Stroman struggles

TORONTO • As John Gibbons made his way to the cage to watch some pre-game batting practice on Wednesday afternoon at the Rogers Centre, he was asked about starting pitcher Marcus Stroman — for about the 60th time this season.

“He’s struggling,” the Toronto Blue Jays manager said. “He’s never struggled like this before.”

There are a number of theories surrounding Stroman’s dreadful start to the 2018 campaign and while Gibbons and pitching coach Pete Walker have offered various explanations, Stroman’s struggles seem to be more of a mental thing than a problem with mechanics or velocity or pitching location — though the latter has definitely been a factor.

Despite the fact that the Medford, N.Y., native has been an anchor on the starting rotation —with a 7.71 ERA, an 0-5 record and personal losing streak at a career-long six games dating back to last season — Gibbons said the Jays are not prepared to do anything drastic, such as sending him to Buffalo (he still has options), or put him in the bullpen or even have him miss a start. Or even ship him down to Dunedin for some kind of mental rehab.

“Not yet,” said Gibbons. Stroman picked up the L in a 5-0, no-hit loss to Canadian James Paxton and the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Gibbons said the team wants Stroman to be able to work his way out of his funk without the team having to bring in another starter. But sooner or later, if the Stro Show doesn’t turn things around, something’s going to have to give.

OSUNA UPDATE

On their website, Global News downloaded a picture of Jays closer Roberto Osuna sitting on a bench in a holding cell from Tuesday morning. Global didn’t say where they got the picture but police have said a professional standards investigation has been launched into the leaked photograph. Osuna was arrested Tuesday on an assault charge, reportedly his girlfriend the alleged victim. He has been placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball who are investigating the incident as well. Even if he is not convicted, Osuna could face a suspension imposed by MLB.

AROUND THE DIAMOND

Gibbons was asked if he was cheering any particular team in the NHL playoffs.

“I’d like to see Washington win it because they’ve had that monkey on their back for a long time,” he said. “And if they win it, (Alex)ovechkin can afford to buy a new tooth” ... More on the James Paxton no-hitter against the Jays on Tuesday: All three MLB no-hitters this season have come in different countries. Sean Manaea no-hit the Red Sox in Oakland on April 21 and four Dodgers pitchers combined for a no-hitter against the Padres while in Monterey, Mexico on May 4 ... The Jays are the only team to not allow a passed ball this season (with either Russell Martin or Luke Maile behind the plate). They also rank 6th in the AL with a 30.3 caught stealing percentage (including pitchers) ... Toronto remains 15-0 in games when scoring five or more runs and 4-17 with four or fewer runs scored. They are of two remaining undefeated teams when scoring at least five runs (Arizona is 13-0).