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Blue Jays face rotation decisions as key arms are nearing returns to the big leagues

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A good problem to have is on the horizon for the Toronto Blue Jays — but it will require some tough decisions. With a solidified starting rotation and bullpen depth on the line, roster shuffling is inevitable as key pitchers return from injury.

On paper, Toronto currently boasts eight starting pitchers in its rotational depth chart. The primary group features Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Eric Lauer, who make up the current Blue Jays rotation. This quintet has been effective, but change is coming.

Alek Manoah is one of the depth arms, currently pitching with the Buffalo Bisons as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery last year. His first Triple-A rehab start did not go well, suggesting his MLB return could be delayed further. It wouldn’t be surprising if Manoah is kept in the minor leagues once healthy, especially since he has options at his disposal, and given that there already is a stacked rotation in the big leagues (and is going to get more crowded soon).

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Bowden Francis Nearing a September Return

Right-hander Bowden Francis was placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-June, later moved to the 60-day list after a setback. He’s expected to return near the end of the season.

Francis finished the 2024 season strong, posting an 8-5 record, 3.30 ERA, and 92 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings. However, his 2025 campaign has been a struggle, with a 2-8 record and 6.05 ERA in 64 innings before the injury.

Upon return, Francis is unlikely to rejoin the starting rotation but could be a valuable bullpen addition. His ability to eat innings or work in shorter stints could give Toronto much-needed relief depth. Francis may also remain in the minor leagues as depth once he is healthy, but right now, he is on the outside looking in with the Jays’ rotation.

Shane Bieber’s Return Could Push Another Starter to the Bullpen

Toronto’s biggest pre-trade deadline acquisition, Shane Bieber, is nearing his highly anticipated return to the big leagues and will slide directly into the starting rotation. If healthy, Bieber will join an elite core of Gausman, Berríos, Scherzer, and likely one of Bassitt or Lauer. There has been no indication on what the Jays plan to do with their current group once Bieber is ready to go, so it will be interesting to see if manager John Schneider runs with a six-man group up front or if someone gets moved to the bullpen for Bieber.

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Scherzer, while limited to an average of four to five innings per start, has been effective thanks to his veteran IQ. In 42 innings this season, he’s posted a 3.92 ERA with 44 strikeouts and just eight walks over his last seven starts.

That leaves a possible rotation decision between Chris Bassitt and Eric Lauer if the club decides on keeping a five-man rotation:

  • Eric Lauer has been outstanding, with a 7-3 record and a 2.82 ERA in 13 starts. The left-hander adds balance to the rotation and could be just as valuable in the bullpen.

  • Chris Bassitt brings postseason experience and durability, with 128 strikeouts, only 35 walks, and an 11-6 record this year. However, his 4.17 ERA and league-leading 142 hits allowed raise concerns about consistency.

Both pitchers could contribute in the postseason, but one may be shifted into a long relief role if the Jays so desire. The next few starts for Bassitt and Lauer could determine who stays in the rotation and who heads to the bullpen once Bieber is ready to go, barring a six-man rotation move. The likelihood is that Lauer gets moved to the bullpen once Bieber joins the group, should a five-man rotation be considered, given Bassitt’s track record, but it’s tough to argue with his current output as being one of the most consistent arms in the rotation since June.

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