I just find it odd because there are situations where drastic innings jumps worked just fine for the SP going forward.
- Chris Sale went from 71 IP in relief to 192 IP as a starter.
- Clayton Kershaw went from 107 IP to 171 IP.
I'm sure there are more examples, but these particular ones didn't result in injuries the following seasons. Hell when Strasbourg was shut down, he got injured anyway.
Also, if they are so concerned about his innings pitched, why not run with a 6-man rotation post ASB and give him and Stroman 1 extra day of rest each (sometimes 2) until the end of the season?