Stroman announced Saturday that he will play for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The extra work before spring training may do Stroman some good. After missing most of 2015 recovering from ACL surgery, the righty struggled to knock off the rust early in 2016. Prior to the All-Star break, he posted a 4.89 ERA while managing 6.4 K/9 over 18 starts. Following the Midsummer Classic, Stroman dished up a 3.68 ERA and an 8.5 K/9. The WBC will give the 25-year-old an opportunity to enter 2017 well-oiled and ready to go.