Former Blue Jays starting pitcher announces retirement

Stripling was the definition of an everyman. He pitched in virtually every type of role over his career, notably being a swing man for the Blue Jays when he first arrived via trade in 2020 and into most of 2021.

Stripling was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2012 draft and made his debut with the team in 2016. He had modest success, pitching to a 3.68 ERA in 143 games - 59 starts - while also picking up two saves.

His best season came in 2018, when he wen 8-6 with a 3.02 ERA while making 21 starts and was elected to his first and only All-Star game.

He was traded to the Blue Jays during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season for Kendall Williams and Ryan Noda. He carried his versatility into Toronto and became a key member of the rotation when Ryu Hyun-jin went down with an injury. In 2022, he took a perfect game into the seventh inning.

All-in-all, during his time in Toronto, Stripling went 15-13 with a 3.94 ERA, with 45 starts, two saves, and 218 strikeouts in 251.1 innings.

His fortunes faded after leaving Canada. He signed a two-year with the San Francisco Giants prior to the 2023 season, but after going 0-5 in 11 starts during his first season, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. He didn't fare much better, going 2-11 in 14 starts before moving to the bullpen.

He signed a minor league deal with Kansas City Royals in February but asked for and was granted his release after being told he wasn't going to make the opening day roster.

He finishes with a 40-54 record.

Congrats on a great career Chicken Strip. Enjoy your retirement!