Stroman throws off mound for first time since injury

TORONTO (AP) Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since tearing knee ligaments in spring training, the next step in a

TORONTO (AP) Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since tearing knee ligaments in spring training, the next step in a possible September return for the right-hander.

Stroman went 11-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 26 games, including 20 starts, in his rookie season last year, but hasn't pitched this season after tearing his left ACL during a preseason fielding drill.

After getting a clean bill of health Monday from sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Stroman threw off a mound Tuesday at the Blue Jays' spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida.

Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos told a Vancouver radio station Tuesday that the Blue Jays intend to try and bring Stroman back as a starter before the end of the season. Stroman is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Aug. 21.