Pitching Rotation Challenges
The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating significant decisions regarding their pitching staff, particularly concerning right-handers Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer. The team’s overall performance this season has fallen short of expectations, with inconsistent starting pitching identified as a key factor.
Max Scherzer, who will turn 42 soon, began the 2026 MLB season healthy but has since faced injury setbacks. He sustained a forearm strain on April 25 and later went on the injured list again with back spasms on June 14. In his six starts this year, Scherzer has pitched 22 innings, recording a 1-4 record with a 10.23 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and 11 walks.
Scherzer is currently in the late stages of his rehabilitation, having completed two minor league rehab starts with High-A Vancouver and Triple-A Buffalo. According to reporter Arden Zwelling, Scherzer might rejoin the major league club immediately after the upcoming All-Star break. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in Toronto on Saturday and then make his next rehab start with the Blue Jays FCL team in Florida on Tuesday, with a potential major league return following that start.
Bieber’s Return and Performance
Shane Bieber, 31, has also been working back from elbow issues. Since his return to the Blue Jays rotation, he has experienced some challenging outings. In three starts, covering 13 innings pitched, Bieber holds an 0-1 record with a 9.00 ERA. During these appearances, he has recorded nine strikeouts, issued seven walks, and given up six home runs.
One of Bieber’s starts saw him pitch 3.2 innings, yielding nine hits and four earned runs, with three home runs allowed. In another start, he pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five hits, two earned runs, and one home run. His third start involved four innings, where he allowed six hits, seven earned runs, and two home runs. These performances highlight a struggle with home runs, with six home runs given up over 13 innings pitched.
The Blue Jays are currently 44-49, trailing the first-place Tampa Bay Rays by 11 games in the American League East. They are set to play a weekend series against the San Diego Padres before the All-Star Break.
Rotation Decisions and Other Pitchers
Should Max Scherzer be activated, the Blue Jays would face a decision regarding their pitching depth, potentially creating a six-man starting rotation. This scenario could lead to either Bieber or Scherzer moving to the bullpen, as there are open slots following the trade of Tommy Nance. Such a move could provide the club with another long relief option, alongside lefty Patrick Corbin.
Another pitcher who could be affected is right-hander Chad Dallas, who has been moving between the major league club and Triple-A this season. The team’s current primary starters include Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, Trey Yasavage, and Kevin Gausman.
Dylan Cease, 30, has shown dominant performances, including a three-hit shutout against the Seattle Mariners on July 3 and taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants on July 8, striking out 11 in that game. However, he has also had outings where he yielded four earned runs over 4.2 innings against the Texas Rangers.
Kevin Gausman, 35, has made 19 starts this season with a 4.32 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, which are above his usual performance levels. His recent starts include giving up seven earned runs in two innings against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, and six earned runs in six innings against the Texas Rangers on June 25. He also yielded four earned runs (seven total) in 5.1 innings against the San Francisco Giants on July 6.
Trey Yasavage, 22, has been a credible starter for the Blue Jays, with a 4-4 record, a 3.31 ERA, and a 1.07 WHIP over 13 starts. He has given up seven home runs in 73.1 innings pitched. When a fifth starter is needed, Spencer Miles is often used as an opener, potentially followed by Patrick Corbin.
The Blue Jays are looking for improved and more consistent pitching from both Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman as they approach the All-Star Break.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
