TORONTO -- Marcus Stroman doesn't like the idea of his season being cut short. Lingering blister issues might leave the Blue Jays right-hander no choice.
Stroman got roughed up early in his return from the disabled list on Monday, and manager John Gibbons said after a 7-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays that Toronto might have to shut Stroman down early.
Making his first start since Aug. 17, Stroman (4-9) allowed four runs and six hits in 1⅔ innings. It was Stroman's shortest start since Aug. 15, 2014, his rookie season, when he got only two outs against the Chicago White Sox.
Stroman left a start Aug. 7 against Boston because of a blister on his middle finger, then was forced out early against the Rays on Aug. 12 and at New York five days later. He is winless in five starts.
"There's no doubt it's still bothering him," Gibbons said, adding the Blue Jays aren't likely to push Stroman until the end of September if his finger doesn't improve.
"That's probably what's going to happen," Gibbons said. "We'll have to see, I don't know yet."
Stroman declined to specifically address the blister, blaming his poor outing on a lack of feel for the ball. The competitive Stroman also made it clear he's not interested in missing the final month of a frustrating season.
"I don't like sitting," Stroman said. "I only get to go out there one every five days to begin with. Being out there every fifth day is a priority. I hate being on the DL. I hate watching. I hate not being out there. It frustrates me, it kills me inside. I'm going to do everything in my power to be out there."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.