Blue Jays Face Rotation Dilemma as Bieber Returns
The Toronto Blue Jays are riding high atop the American League East, but with Shane Bieber finally healthy, manager John Schneider has a new challenge on his hands: how to reshape a rotation that has been both steady and shaky at times.
On Sunday, Toronto’s 10–4 loss to the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre spotlighted that very issue. José Berríos, who has been a workhorse throughout his career, lasted just 4 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs on 10 hits, including home runs to former Blue Jay Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. It marked yet another short outing — he has pitched six innings only once in his last seven starts.
Still, Schneider played his cards close to the vest when asked about Bieber’s debut timeline. “We got some plans in place,” was all the manager offered.
For now, the rotation remains set with Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt lined up for the three-game set in Pittsburgh. The Jays then enjoy a Thursday off-day before opening a weekend series in Miami, where Bieber’s schedule lines up perfectly for a Friday start. The 30-year-old right-hander is coming off three rehab outings with Triple-A Buffalo and appears ready to go.
The question is who makes room. Toronto’s staff is filled with seasoned arms — Scherzer (41), Bassitt (36), Gausman (34), Berríos (31), and Eric Lauer (30). All thrive on heavy workloads and bristle at the thought of rest. Yet Schneider hinted that extra days could benefit everyone. “I think whenever you can get guys extra rest, it’s always important, especially this time of year,” he said. “But at the same time, you’re trying to win every single game you can.”
Berríos himself admitted he doesn’t know what’s next. “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “But [Bieber’s] healthy and ready. I’ll do whatever.”
Schneider, for his part, continues to back his pitcher. “When I think of him, I think of consistency,” he said. “There’s been ups and downs for him and a lot of guys. We’re still winning a lot of games, and he’s finding a way to keep us in games, too. I’m sure he’s frustrated today that he couldn’t go longer or give up less runs. That’s just how he’s wired.”
While rotation decisions loom, there was at least one bright spot on Sunday. George Springer, back from a 15-game absence, drilled a two-run homer in the eighth inning. “It was a good day for him,” Schneider said. “He was actually doing a lot when he wasn’t cleared to play. He was getting a lot of reps in. I think being able to fall back on what he has been doing so well this year has served him well.”
At 73–52, the Blue Jays hold a five-game cushion over the Red Sox in the AL East with six weeks to go. But with Berríos stumbling and Bieber ready to make his debut, Toronto’s playoff push may hinge on how Schneider chooses to juggle his veteran arms.