Stroman fires six hitless frames in Triple-A tilt

A rainout on Friday enabled the Blue Jays to shuffle Triple-A Buffalo's rotation and they used the opportunity to put right-hander Marcus Stroman, the club's No. 2 prospect and No. 52 overall, according to MLB.com, on the same schedule as Toronto's struggling fifth starter Dustin McGowan.

The move prompted speculation that the Blue Jays may be preparing to call up their first-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.

In his first start since the change, Stroman did his best to prove he was ready for a chance in the Major Leagues -- firing six hitless innings on Tuesday as Buffalo defeated Louisville, 4-1.

Stroman threw 80 pitches, striking out a season-high 10 batters and walking one. In five starts this season, Stroman has a 1.69 ERA and has 36 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings.

Stroman also got a chance to show off his athleticism in the fourth inning when Ruben Gotay hit a comebacker up the middle. Stroman finishes his delivery falling off the first-base side of the mound, but he was able to recover and backhand the ball to record an out. It was one of six ground-ball outs he induced.

The Bisons' offense was helped by outfielder Kevin Pillar, the Blue Jays' No. 15 prospect, who went 1-for-4 with a double and a run. He extended his hitting streak to 11 games and is batting .256 after starting the season 5-for-44.