The Toronto Blue Jays are grappling with uncertainties in their pitching rotation as the playoffs draw near. With a record of 89-65 as of September 29, 2023, the team leads the American League and holds a three-game advantage over the New York Yankees and a five-game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. Despite this strong position, questions loom over the team’s fourth starter, particularly following a disappointing performance by pitcher Max Scherzer.
In a game against the Kansas City Royals, the Blue Jays suffered a staggering 20-1 defeat on Friday, September 29, where Scherzer struggled significantly. He was unable to complete the first inning, conceding seven runs on seven hits, which included two home runs. Scherzer also issued a walk and managed to strike out two batters during his brief outing, which lasted only two outs. This underperformance marks a continued decline for the veteran pitcher, who has allowed a total of 21 runs on 27 hits, alongside seven home runs and eight walks over his last five starts, totaling 20 innings. His earned run average (ERA) has surged from 3.60 to 5.06 during this stretch, raising concerns about his ability to contribute effectively in the postseason.
As the regular season comes to a close, the Blue Jays are left with uncertainty regarding their fourth starter. While Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Chris Bassitt are expected to secure the first three spots in the playoff rotation, the search for the fourth starter remains critical. Both Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer have recently transitioned to the bullpen but could potentially be called back to the rotation if necessary.
The team’s top prospect, Trey Yesavage, made a promising debut in the major leagues but would only have a limited number of starts with the Blue Jays before the playoffs commence. With the postseason approaching, the team is in urgent need of a reliable option to fill the rotation’s final spot.
Scherzer’s timing could not be worse for the Blue Jays, as they prepare for a critical phase of the season. The team’s management and fans will be closely monitoring his performance and the decisions made regarding the pitching lineup as they aim for playoff success. As the Blue Jays navigate these challenges, the focus will inevitably shift to finding a solution that can bolster their chances in October.
