Blue Jays send down Romero, Stroman in wake of lopsided loss to the Tigers

DUNEDIN, Fla. – One day after being shelled by the Detroit Tigers, pitchers Ricky Romero and Marcus Stroman were assigned to the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor-league camp.

Toronto manager John Gibbons said both pitchers needed more work.

Gibbons tried to soften the blow for Romero, saying the 29-year-old left-hander had pitched well earlier in the spring and was moving in the right direction after two troubled seasons.

Stroman, a 2012 first-round draft choice, managed just one out in Tuesday’s 18-4 loss to Detroit. He gave up seven runs on six hits.

Romero, who is due to make US$7.75 million this season, walked five and threw two wild pitches in 2 2/3 innings.

Toronto hosts the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday in Grapefruit League action. J.A. Happ starts.