Stroman on DL; Pannone, Shafer brought up

NEW YORK -- The Blue Jays officially placed right-hander Marcus Stroman on the 10-day disabled list prior to Sunday afternoon's 10-2 loss to the Yankees.
Toronto also optioned right-hander Luis Santos to Triple-A Buffalo. As expected, the Blue Jays recalled lefty Thomas Pannone, and they also promoted right-hander Justin Shafer from Buffalo. Pannone tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief on Sunday, and Shafer added a scoreless frame in his big league debut.
The decision to place Stroman on the DL had been considered inevitable for the last couple of days. He was removed from Friday night's loss to the Yankees after four innings because of a blister issue on his right middle finger, marking his third consecutive start that was cut short by the injury.

"It has kind of been something I've prided myself on getting through, and I'm never one to bark about this being an issue, ever," Stroman said on Saturday. "I pride myself on being able to go out there and battle regardless of what I have going on, and I've gotten out there and I want to continue to go out there.
"I'm going to get through this, because that's who I am. But at this point right now I've just got to let it heal for a few days and kind of let that skin fully get back to being healthy."

The 24-year-old Pannone made his Major League debut earlier this month. He made three appearances out of the bullpen and allowed two runs over three innings. He is ranked Toronto's No. 27 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and he was 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in six starts for the Bisons this season.
Shafer made 32 appearances out of Buffalo's bullpen this year, posting a 2.45 ERA while striking out 29 and walking 16 over 36 2/3 innings.
The blister is another setback in what has become a frustrating 2018 campaign for Stroman. He missed approximately six weeks earlier this year because of a right shoulder injury. The product of Duke returned in late June, but after back-to-back seasons with at least 200 innings, he currently only has 100 2/3.
"Way more frustrating," Stroman admitted. "I [worked really hard] to be back this year, to get my shoulder right, and it's finally getting to the point where it feels great and to have this pop up, it sucks. It's something I have to deal with, it's something I'll get through. I usually channel and turn adversity into a positive, always, so I'll get through this.

"I know who I am as a pitcher, I know how dominant I'm going to be in this game for many, many years to come, and it's just a matter of getting this right. I'll get through it, and I'll come out stronger, like I always do."
To make room on the 40-man roster for Shafer, right-hander Aaron Sanchez was placed on the 60-day DL. Sanchez has been out since June 22 with a contusion on his right middle finger, and the move is simply procedural because he is technically eligible to return later this week. Sanchez is currently on a rehab assignment, but he is expected to need at least one more start before coming off the DL.