Sports Briefs: Blue Jays re-sign GCC product

Estrada chooses to stay in Toronto

There will be no testing of the free-agent market this offseason for Glendale Community College product Marco Estrada.

The 34-year-old right-handed pitcher signed a one-year contract extension worth $13 million on Wednesday to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2018 season.

“It was pretty easy to sign to come back,” Estrada said at team press conference. “I’ve been really happy here; I love the way the fans have treated me even through these rough stretches that I’ve had this year. In June and July, I still got a lot of love and support. Those little things mean the world to me.”

Estrada is finishing up his third season north of the border and 10th overall in the big leagues.

The former American League All-Star selection has suffered a bumpy campaign in Toronto this season, posting a 9-8 record with a 4.84 earned-run average, which if not lowered would be his highest at season’s end since 2014.

Estrada has posted career-highs in strikeouts (170) and walks (67) this season and has allowed 29 home runs, which matches his career high set in 2014.

Where’s he’s faltered is in opponent’s batting average. In 2015 and 2016, Estrada was routinely among the American League’s best in that category, allowing the opposition to bat .203. This year that number is up to .253.

As for the contract, the deal mirrors Estrada’s first signing with Toronto in 2015, when he inked a two-year, $26-million agreement.

In nearly three seasons with Toronto, Estrada has posted a 31-25 record with a 3.31 ERA. In the postseason with Toronto, Estrada has been even more impressive with a 3-3 record and sterling 2.18 ERA.

Sherriff turns in fine outing for St. Louis

Former Glendale Community College baseball star Ryan Sherriff turned in one of his more productive outings for the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday evening.

Sherriff, 27, who was called up to the major leagues for the first time in his career Aug. 23, tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in St. Louis’ 8-7 road victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Sheriff surrendered a walk and hit a batter, but did not allow a hit or run, while he punched out one batter.

So far this season, the reliever is 1-1 with a 3.60 earned-run average with 10 strikeouts and four walks in nine games and 10 innings of total work. Opposing hitters are only batting .216 off Sherriff.

The win helped keep St. Louis in the thick of the National League wild-card race as the Cardinals are two games back for the second wild-card spot heading into Thursday.

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