Stroman looks noticeablely better vs. D-backs

PHOENIX — Marcus Stroman has received a lot of criticism this season, but he has a reason to be encouraged after another strong outing on Wednesday afternoon.

Stroman allowed one run and matched his season high with eight innings during the Blue Jays’ 10-4 victory over the D-backs. He didn’t allow an extra-base hit and recorded most of his outs on the ground en route to the quality start.

The 25-year-old has now tossed at least six innings while allowing two runs or fewer in three of his last four starts. That’s a big step in the right direction compared to where things were a month ago.

“I think it’s just part of the process,” Stroman said. “It’s kind of where I’ve been trying to get back to. I felt strong today, I felt strong in my previous starts. It’s just a matter of competing and commanding my stuff out there.”

Like most pitchers, Stroman is at his best when he keeps the ball down in the zone. He had trouble with that during his last outing against the A’s, and the results weren’t pretty. Stroman was roughed up for seven runs over 4 …

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