Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman, who underwent knee surgery roughly six months ago, will make his highly anticipated return Saturday against the New York Yankees.

Manager John Gibbons made the announcement Tuesday on MLB Network after weeks of speculation regarding Stroman's possible return.

"He's going to make the start Saturday in New York," Gibbons said. "Maybe he gives us a shot in the arm in a big game."

The AL East-leading Blue Jays begin a pivotal four-game series at Yankee Stadium on Thursday. The Blue Jays are a half-game ahead of New York entering play Tuesday.

Stroman was expected to miss the entire season after tearing his left ACL during fielding practice in spring training, but has progressed quickly in his bid to return for the Blue Jays' playoff race.

Despite struggling in his latest rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo, Stroman expressed confidence Monday that he's ready to face major-league hitters.

"Arm felt good, knee felt great. Results didn't say so, but my stuff felt unreal," Stroman told reporters. "I know my arm is ready, I know my knee is ready and I know I'm ready to dominate."

Stroman's return comes amid increased uncertainty regarding the health of veteran Mark Buehrle. The 36-year-old left-hander received a cortisone shot in his pitching shoulder after laboring through 3 1/3 innings at Fenway on Monday, but remains on track to start Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, Gibbons said.