Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo confirmed Stripling would serve as a primary pitcher behind opener Trent Thornton in Monday's game against the Rays, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton will likely work the first 2-to-3 innings of the contest before the Blue Jays turn the game over to Stripling. The transition from a traditional starting gig to a bulk-reliever role can only help Stripling, who has posted a 7.20 ERA and 1.76 WHIP through his first six outings.

Stripling won't start Monday's game against the Rays, with the Blue Jays announcing that Trent Thornton would instead serve as the team's opening pitcher of the day, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Toronto hasn't suggested that Stripling has been scratched from the contest, so he could still be available out of the bullpen as a primary pitcher. Thornton hasn't worked more than 2.2 innings or tossed more than 42 pitches in any of his 14 appearances (two starts) this season, so the Blue Jays will likely treat him as more of an opener than a traditional starter. If the team plans to use Stripling behind Thornton, the former would actually be in better position to factor into any decision than he would in a traditional starting role. If he goes unused Monday, Stripling could end up starting against the Yankees in New York on Wednesday, when Toronto will have an opening in the rotation after Anthony Kay was optioned to the minors last week.

Stripling (0-3) allowed six runs on eight hits and struck out three in 3.2 innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus Boston.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling had a disastrous first, as he allowed back-to-back home runs to Alex Verdugo and J.D. Martinez. Enrique Hernandez added the last run on Stripling's line with a solo shot in the second. The veteran right-hander hasn't been able to find a groove in 2021 with a 7.20 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB across 25 innings. He tentatively lines up to face Tampa Bay next week.

Stripling allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out nine in five innings in Thursday's win over Atlanta. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling hadn't struck out more than five batters in any of his first four starts, but he was dominant against Atlanta. He gave up two runs in the first inning but bounced back by tossing four scoreless innings afterward. The right-hander has now improved to a 5.91 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 21.1 innings across his first five starts of the year. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Stripling (0-2) yielded three runs on six hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out three and taking a loss against Houston.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling was cursed by a second inning where he allowed a two-run shot to Carlos Correa before walking in a third run. He needed 82 pitches to get through just 3.2 frames and saw his season ERA climb to 6.61. He's failed to finish five innings in three of his four outings on the year. Stripling is currently lined up to take the mound in Atlanta next week.

Stripling allowed two runs on five hits and a walk over 4.1 innings during Sunday's win over Atlanta. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first start since April 8 due to forearm tightness, Stripling threw 70 pitches over his 4.1 innings of work. He allowed runs in the second and fifth innings in the overall successful outing. The 6-foot-3 righty lowered his season ERA to 6.39 with a 14:4 K:BB through 12.2 innings. Stripling is slated to take the mound in Houston next weekend.

The Blue Jays will activate Stripling (forearm) from the 10-day injured list to start Sunday's game against Atlanta, Ben Wagner of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Toronto will clear a spot on the 26-man roster for Stripling by moving catcher Alejandro Kirk (hip) to the 10-day IL. Stripling, who had been sidelined for the last three-plus weeks with a right forearm strain, could have a limited pitch count in his first start since April 8, making him a relatively unappealing streaming option.

Stripling (forearm) could start Sunday's game against Atlanta, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was cleared for mound work a week ago and has been throwing bullpen sessions. With Hyun Jin Ryu (glute strain) landing on the injured list, the Jays need all hands on deck. Even if Stripling gets activated for Sunday's start, he may not be able to log five-plus innings.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Stripling (forearm) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Atkins went on to say that Stripling "could be back in the mix in days," suggesting that the Blue Jays are hopeful he'll spend the minimum 10 days on the injured list, or close to it. After Anthony Kay made an unsuccessful spot start in place of Stripling last week, the Blue Jays opted for a bullpen game in Stripling's most recent turn through the rotation Wednesday against the Red Sox. Trent Thornton pitched the first two innings of that game, while Tommy Milone followed him and served as the primary bulk reliever.

Stripling was placed on the 10-day injured list with a mild flexor strain Thursday, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stripling was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday after he couldn't get his forearm loose during a workout the morning of the game. The Blue Jays are hopeful that the right-hander is dealing with a minor issue, but he'll still land on the injured list after he was diagnosed with a strain. Anthony Kay was recalled by Toronto to start Thursday's game against Kansas City. It's not yet clear when Stripling will be able to return.