Move the mound closer and see what happens to pitching numbers. It makes a difference. The difference between Stroman and a guy like Halladay, mechanics being the same, could be close to 2 feet.
I think it might be a good idea to give Hutchison a couple of starts and let Stroman work out his troubles in the bullpen. Reducing his arsenal to 2 or 3 pitches might help him to simplify things and get his confidence back. If Hutchison performs, they can eventually swap Stroman and Sanchez.
There isn't one. If you aren't on the major league roster for a single day then you used an option. It's why some guys like Albert Pujols still have options.
That's not the way it works, unfortunately. Players on the 40 man and not the active roster are on optional assignment regardless of when they were assigned or how many MLB games they have played.
His throwing ability changed drastically from that point on, no doubt about it. I don't know enough to comment on how it would affect his hitting, but he seems fine.