On Monday, Chicago Cubs ace Marcus Stroman gave fans a nice Memorial Day present as he pitched a complete-game shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays, who have the best record in all of baseball.
The veteran right-hander allowed just one hit and one walk as he struck out eight Rays hitters.
The win helped the Cubs climb out of last place in the NL Central and in the National League as a whole.
But Stroman has had a very impressive season so far, starting off with a 5-4 record and a 2.59 ERA.
On MLB Network, former Cubs star Mark DeRosa commented on Stroman’s dominance and what makes him such a tough pitcher.
.@STR0 is a showman 🪄
With a 2.59 ERA and 0.99 WHIP on the year, @markdero7 talks about what makes the righty so special.#MLBCentral | @Cubs pic.twitter.com/P16O7oONh5
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 30, 2023
DeRosa talked about how Stroman has been able to step up for the Cubs in big spots.
The team was recently swept by the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend, but Stroman played the role of stopper for the North Siders.
DeRosa then broke down what has been working for Stroman since he came up with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Stroman is a proven commodity in the postseason, dating all the way back to the 2015 ALDS.
This also includes the 2017 World Baseball Classic final, when he was named the MVP of the tournament after pitching a gem to clinch the title for Team USA.
The former Cubs star talked about how Stroman is somebody who players rally around and appreciate thanks to his boisterous energy and competitive spirit, also pointing that he’s not afraid to talk a little bit of smack, as he did against the New York Mets.
Finally, DeRosa discussed Stroman’s athletic ability and the way he not only fields his position, but also makes good use of his pitches.
The right-hander was on point against the Rays and came through in the clutch for the Cubs.
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