Blue Jays Starter Returns From Rehab

With the frequent poor performances of Jose Berrios and Kusei Kikuchi and the season-ending injury to Hyun Jin Ryu, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that Ross Stripling has been the third-best starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays this year. 

So when he went down with a right glute/hip strain back on Aug. 3, it was a big blow to the Jays' rotation. Fortunately, he didn't need more than the minimum time on the IL, and his return is now imminent as he's rejoined the squad. 

Ross Stripling is back with #BlueJays after a successful 5-inning rehab start last night. Now he & Jose Berríos are on the same day, so one of them likely to start Wednesday vs. BAL with the other starting Thurs @ NYY

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) August 13, 2022

Stripling has returned to the team after a nice, tidy 5 shutout innings with Triple-A Buffalo Friday night, and he could start as soon as Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. As noted by Jays beat writer Ben Nicholson-Smith, he's now lined up on the same day as Berrios, so one of them will get bumped back a day to start in Yankee Stadium.

The seven-year veteran, Stripling began the season in a hybrid role, expecting to get innings as a starter and out of the bullpen. But when Ryu went down for good, Stripling was recruited full-time into the rotation, and he has delivered, big-time.

He's 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and a 67:15 K:BB ratio. 

Not sure where the Jays' rotation would be without him. 

Photos: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports