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Blue Jays plan for bullpen day Wednesday vs. Red Sox
As the Toronto Blue Jays search for an answer in their fifth starter spot, it appears the bullpen will get the first crack at the job.
As the Toronto Blue Jays search for an answer in their fifth starter spot, it appears the bullpen will get the first crack at the job.
The team is planning on throwing a bullpen day Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox, Jays manager John Schneider said Tuesday, according to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling.
Zwelling added that the opener has yet to be determined.
The decision comes as a cloud of uncertainty looms over the fifth spot in the rotation. Lefty Easton Lucas was sent down to triple-A on April 21, and righty Paxton Schultz was optioned Tuesday to make room for outfielder Daulton Varsho’s return.
Max Scherzer, who occupied a rotation spot until being sidelined with a thumb injury, continues to increase his rehab en route to returning to the team. According to Zwelling, Scherzer threw off a mound on Tuesday and is progressively increasing his volume.
Relievers Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr are also nearing a return to the bullpen. Swanson, who’s been dealing with an elbow injury, will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with single-A Dunedin.
The 31-year-old posted a 5.03 ERA in 39.1 innings for Toronto last season.
Burr (shoudler) faced live hitters Tuesday, and will do so on Friday before deciding his next steps.
Meanwhile, Kevin Gausman‘s next start has been pushed back from Friday to Saturday for extra rest after tossing 53 pitches in one inning on Sunday. Chris Bassitt will get the ball Friday.
