Major League Baseball

Blue Jays RHP Stroman leaves with cramp in left shoulder

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:00 p.m. ET

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman left Saturday's game against Kansas City after four innings because of cramps in his left shoulder and pectoral muscle.

Stroman left two pitches into the fifth, motioning to the dugout after missing high to Royals outfielder Whit Merrifield. Trainer Nikki Huffman and manager Charlie Montoyo came to the mound and, following a brief discussion, Stroman walked off and went to the clubhouse. He allowed three runs and four hits in four-plus innings and was replaced by Sam Gaviglio.

Stroman is 5-9 with a 3.18 ERA in 18 starts and is is expected to be traded to a contender before the deadline. He's eligible for arbitration for the final time next year and can become a free agent following the 2020 season.

The Blue Jays have failed to score a run for Stroman in seven of his 18 starts, and have scored just one in four others.