Pitcher admits personal issues hurt his season

“That was one of my questions to the (Jays management),” Estrada said, “I wanted to make sure they wanted to win, and they said they wanted to win, and that’s all I needed to hear.

“One year (contract) was what both parties wanted. I don’t know what this team’s future will be in two or three years, but next year I know they’re going for it, and I want to be a part of that. Who’s to say I won’t sign another one-year deal after that. I guess I could’ve tested the market, but like I said, I’m happy here. If this team makes the playoffs next year, and I’m not part of it, I would’ve been upset.”

“It all falls back on his desire to have clarity and be pitching in a city and for a team that he loves. He believes

“They (Jays) said they wanted to win, and that’s all I needed to hear.” MARCO ESTRADA

in that clubhouse,” said Atkins of Estrada’s desire for a one-year deal.

Estrada endured a rough stretch this season — pitching well off form in a 10-start stretch of June and July — but has pitched well in the last part of the season.

Estrada — who posted an 8.87 ERA in that 10-start slump — admitted he was going through some personal issues at the time.

“It had nothing to do with baseball,” Estrada said.

“It was personal . . . those things happen. Once I had a clear head, ev- eryone saw the results.

“I know I can help this team. That month and a half there, I was dealing with a few things. I got over it and I rebounded, and that’s why they brought me back. It was set in the right direction, and I’m feeling very optimistic about next year.”

Estrada, over his past 10 starts, demonstrated his old form: his ERA was down to 3.75, with 48 strikeouts over 62 1⁄ innings.

3 Throughout his ordeal, Estrada said he heard constant words of encouragement from Jays fans on the street. That response, especially when he was at a very down time in his life, only reinforced his decision to return to the Jays for 2018.

“There was a lot of that (fan support),” Estrada said.

“Like on the streets … people saying we believe in you. When (things were going bad), I stopped reading Twitter … and maybe I should just stop reading it anyways. It isn’t always about baseball, we’re human beings, we have feelings like anyone else. “

The Jays approached Estrada’s agent in July, but the right hander decided to stay out of the conversations until his personal life settled.

The two sides got together again “not too long ago,” Estrada said.

“My agent was coming to Toronto and they (Jays management) heard about it, so they wanted to talk to him. I’ve worked hard for this team, I fell I’ve battled back from injuries and next year, I feel we’ll be in good shape. So for now, it’s a one year deal, and I’m happy with it.”