TORONTO — Marcus Stroman was warming up vigorously for the Toronto Blue Jays in the visitors’ bullpen during Game 4 of their American League division series on Monday, and it was enough to make some wonder why.
John Gibbons, Toronto’s manager, had made an unconventional decision to use David Price, the ace starting pitcher, in relief a few innings earlier against the Texas Rangers. Would he do the same with another starter, Stroman?
Stroman, who missed most of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, threw his final pitch, walked up to the bullpen catcher to give him a hug, placed a towel around his neck and sat down.