The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating significant pitching decisions as Max Scherzer progresses through his rehabilitation and Shane Bieber continues to face challenges on the mound. Scherzer, a right-handed starting pitcher, began the 2026 MLB season healthy but was sidelined on April 25 with a forearm strain. After returning, he was placed on the injured list again on June 14 due to back spasms.
Scherzer, who will soon turn 42, has made six starts this year, pitching 22 innings. His record stands at 1-4 with an earned run average of 10.23, accumulating 14 strikeouts and 11 walks. As he works back from the back spasms, Scherzer has completed two minor league rehab starts, one at High-A Vancouver and another at Triple-A Buffalo. According to a report by Arden Zwelling, Scherzer is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in Toronto on Saturday, followed by another rehab start with the Blue Jays FCL team in Florida on Tuesday. His subsequent start could potentially be with the major league club.
The potential return of Scherzer to the active roster would present the Blue Jays with a personnel decision, as it could result in six starting pitchers. This scenario might lead to another pitcher being moved from the rotation, with fellow right-hander Shane Bieber identified as a possible candidate.
Bieber’s Performance and Rotation Implications
Shane Bieber, 31, has encountered difficulties since returning from elbow issues. In three starts, spanning 13 innings, Bieber holds an 0-1 record with an earned run average of 9.00. He has recorded nine strikeouts, issued seven walks, and allowed six home runs. Batters have been hitting .351/.422/.737 against him. His fastball velocity and average exit velocity against him are noted to be in lower percentiles.
Despite the struggles of both Bieber and Scherzer in 2026, the Blue Jays appear committed to both pitchers. However, maintaining a six-man rotation might not be feasible if their performance issues persist. A move to the bullpen for either Bieber or Scherzer is a possibility, especially with open slots available following the trade of Tommy Nance. Such a move could also provide the team with an additional long relief arm, potentially alongside lefty Patrick Corbin. Another player who could be affected is right-hander Chad Dallas, who has been frequently moved between the major league club and Triple-A this season.
The Blue Jays are currently 44-49, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 11 games in the American League East. The team is scheduled to play a weekend series against the San Diego Padres, which will be their final series before the upcoming All-Star Break.
All-Star Selections and Team Outlook
The All-Star teams have been announced, with several Blue Jays players recognized. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a first baseman for Toronto, was named a starter for the American League. Second baseman Ernie Clement was also selected as a starter. Pitcher Dylan Cease was named a starting pitcher for the American League, and relief pitcher Louis Varland was also selected. Guerrero Jr. has reportedly withdrawn from the All-Star game.
The team’s offensive performance has also been a point of concern, as they are currently second to last in the league in runs per game. This suggests that while pitching decisions are critical, the team’s overall performance issues extend beyond the mound. The front office has indicated a desire to acquire a starter by the trade deadline, but some reports suggest that one starter may not be sufficient to address the team’s needs.
Other pitching prospects have also faced challenges. Jake Bloss has an earned run average of 14.29 in three starts for Buffalo. Ricky Tiedemann pitched one inning in a rehab game but was subsequently scratched from his next appearance due to a neck issue. The Blue Jays will play a weekend series at the San Diego Padres as their last before the upcoming All-Star Break.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
