Blue Jays' Stroman to start rehab as starter

Jul 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman delivers a pitch during the Jays 8-0 win over Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman threw off the mound for the first time since surgery to repair his ACL before the season.

"You wouldn't think anything was ever wrong with [his knee]," manager John Gibbons told the media after watching Stroman on video.

The young righty has been circling September as his target return date and seems well on his way to do just that. The only question remains, though, is will it be as a starter or reliever?

"He just threw on the mound for the first time," Gibbons said. "I think at the end of the month he's going to start facing hitters, a simulated game isn't an actual game yet, might be a little far-fetched but I don't want to say no. Might not be anything wrong with him coming out of the pen for a couple of innings, either."

Either way they decide to use him, he would provide a boost. The starting rotation could certainly use another arm alongside David Price, R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle and Drew Hutchison.

(h/t Sportsnet)