Estrada: Blue Jays have one of the best defences

Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada talks about his current run, probably the best of his career, and how important mixing a cutter into his pitch arsenal has really paved the way for his great success this season.

Everyone is well aware that the Toronto Blue Jays have a dangerous offence, but starting pitcher Marco Estrada says there’s more to their recent success.

“Our defence has totally improved,” Estrada told Baseball Central hosts Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Sportsnet 590 The Fan Wednesday. “We have one of the best defences out there. Having this turf helps a lot.”

Estrada didn’t mention anyone by name, but the additions of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Ben Revere helped address two of the Blue Jays’ weaker defensive positions while catcher Russell Martin, third baseman Josh Donaldson, second baseman Ryan Goins and outfielders Jose Bautista and Kevin Pillar have proven to be steady defenders over the course of the season.

“It makes pitching that much easier,” Estrada said of the club’s defensive play. “It helps to know the guys behind you will make every single play.”

The veteran pitcher saw the benefits of the club’s improved play during his start Tuesday, when he allowed just two hits and one earned run with five strikeouts in 6.2 innings of work in a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Estrada is 9-6 with a 3.40 ERA, 86 strikeouts, 34 walks and 11 home runs allowed in 111.1 innings for Toronto this season.

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