Marcus Stroman goes five innings in rain-shortened return

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Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman made his 2015 debut on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium in the second game of a double-header, but it was cut short by rain. The right-hander went five innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts. The game went into a delay after the top of the fifth inning with the Jays leading 6-3.

Stroman, 24, suffered a torn ACL in March and shortly thereafter underwent surgery. He impressed as a rookie last season, compiling a 3.65 ERA with a 111/28 K/BB ratio in 130 2/3 innings spanning 20 starts and six relief appearances.

The Blue Jays selected Stroman in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2012 draft. He entered the 2014 season rated as the 27th-best prospect in baseball, per Baseball Prospectus.

Orioles option LHP Bruce Zimmermann to minors

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SARASOTA, Fla. – The Baltimore Orioles have optioned left-handers Bruce Zimmermann and Nick Vespi and reassigned infielder Lewin Díaz, left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez and catcher Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.

The Orioles announced the moves Monday.

Baltimore’s spring training roster now has 46 players.

Zimmermann made 13 starts last season. He went 2-5 with a 5.99 ERA.

The competition for rotation spots with the Orioles has been a significant story during spring training, but after the team acquired Cole Irvin and Kyle Gibson in the offseason – and with top prospect Grayson Rodriguez in the mix as well – there were a lot of pitchers Zimmermann needed to beat out.