Stroman could be back on

Marcus Stroman, who complained about a blister on the middle finger of his right hand during his outing in New York on Monday, “played catch” on Thursday and manager John Gibbons said — barring a setback — all systems are go for his start against the Houston Astros on Saturday at the Rogers Centre.

“I don’t think it’s going to be an issue,” said Gibbons.

If Stroman can’t go for his scheduled start, Gibbons said they’ll delay Joe Biagini’s move back to the bullpen and start him. Stroman called the fact that so many pitchers are coming down with blisters this season an epidemic, though his manager isn’t so sure.

“I’m sure they’ll (MLB) look into that, especially if you get enough guys complaining,” said Gibbons.

No closing down the closer

Gibbons said prior to Thursday’s game that he would use Roberto Osuna Thursday if needed even though the Jays’ closer already pitched two days in a row.

“We need some W’s,” said the manager.

When Gibbons was reminded that Osuna hadn’t pitched three days in a row yet this year, he replied: “We haven’t been in three save (situations in row) this year. He’s 22.”

Osuna converted his 20th consecutive save opportunity on Wednesday in New York. The 20save streak is tied with Kenley Jansen for the longest active streak in baseball.

Gibbons added that even with the All-Star break coming up next week, he’ll try not to use his relievers too much this week if possible. Over his last 30 appearances (since 4.29), Osuna has posted a 0.96 ERA and struck out 41 batters while issuing just three walks. During that time he has limited opponents to 13 hits in 97 at-bats for an average of .134. With a successful outing in his next save opportunity, he will tie Billy Koch (2000) for the fourth longest streak in franchise history.

“There’s a couple down there (in the bullpen) we’ve run them pretty hard as it is,” said Gibbons of his relief corp. “So it’s a welcome break. But we won’t abuse anybody. But hopefully the starters will go long. And naturally with (Aaron) Sanchez (coming back on Friday) we got to make a move (Friday). Especially with the bullpen, (the All Star break) will be a welcome break next week, that’s for sure, because they’ve been used a lot. But I tell ya what, they’re doing a helluva job.”

Around the diamond

Left-handed reliever J.P. Howell worked 1.0 IP of relief on Thursday in Buffalo. Allowed one hit and struck out one. 15 pitches and 10 strikes. “He needs some work. He’s been off for a while,” said Gibbons. “He’ll get a few outings and then we’ll see” ... The Jays traded infielder Jonathan Diaz to the Yankees. This will be the second stint with the Yankees organization for the 32-year-old Diaz. The majority of Diaz’s professional career has been spent with the Jays organization, which selected him in the 12th round of the 2006 draft, though his initial major league action came with the Red Sox in 2013. He then returned to the Jays and cracked their roster for brief periods in both 2014 and 2015 ... As for the rumours that the Jays — if they embark on a rebuild — would consider trading third baseman Josh Donaldson for assets, Jays President Mark Shapiro told Scott MacArthur of TSN Radio: “Josh Donaldson is one of the best players in all of Major League baseball, I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s hard for me to foresee any scenario where you trade one of the best players in baseball and get better.” Perhaps that quote will put some of the rumours to bed.