On the surface, the decision to tweak the Blue Jays’ starting rotation while at the same time provide Jose Berrios some extra rest may not resonate.
Upon further inspection, one realizes the re-alignment does take into account a series in the Bronx against the New York Yankees from Sept. 5-7.
In other words, it’s go time for the Blue Jays as the team’s bid for the post-season intensifies.
Following their series finale against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, the Jays will have an off day before playing host to Milwaukee in a three-game weekend series.
Monday marks the beginning of September and a stretch of play that will see the Jays play a series in Cincinnati before Toronto heads to the Big Apple.
In Wednesday’s series finale versus the Twins, Eric Lauer made the start for the Blue Jays, his first since his most recent outing Aug. 16 when the Jays crushed the Texas Rangers 14-2.
Friday, Shane Bieber will make his home debut. In his debut with the club last Friday, and his return to a big-league mound following elbow surgery, Bieber threw six innings and earned the win as the Blue Jays defeated Miami 5-2. He did not issue a walk.
The way the Jays’ new-look rotation lines up, Kevin Gausman is scheduled to make the start Saturday against the Brewers followed by Max Scherzer in the series finale Sunday.
Against the host Reds, Chris Bassitt is scheduled to start for the Jays, and Berrios will get the ball Tuesday.
Berrios has endured his struggles of late.
And while Berrios did pitch well last Saturday against the host Marlins, he did give up three successive hits with one out in the seventh inning.
The Jays would go on to win a wild affair that required extra innings.
Perhaps giving Berrios an extra rest day will provide a jolt for a durable pitcher known for not missing any of his starts.
The Jays have clinched the season series against the Yankees, but the upcoming set in the Bronx will tell a lot about both clubs.
As it stands, the Jays’ starting rotation is lined up with Bieber getting the start in the series opener on Sept. 5 followed by Gausman and Scherzer.
Following the Jays’ series in the Bronx, the club will have six series remaining in the regular season, including four at home.
Entering Wednesday’s play, the Jays sat atop the AL East with a 77-56 record, including a 43-22 home mark.
In terms of home victories, only the Brewers and Detroit Tigers have posted more wins.
On a day the Jays rejigged their rotation, it was also learned Ernie Clement received stitches in his leg after getting spiked in Tuesday’s setback.
Additionally, he is dealing with broken bone in his left middle finger, but Clement, per the club, was available for Wednesday’s series rubber match.