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13h ago

Blue Jays Confront Rotation Crunch as Bieber Nears Return

Shane Bieber’s final rehab start arrives, raising the stakes on John Schneider’s rotation plan with Toronto atop the AL East.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 8: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws agains the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on August 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 2: Shane Bieber #57 of the Toronto Blue Jays smiles ahead of their MLB game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre on August 2, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Jul 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer (56) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Shane Bieber is set for one more Triple-A outing before a major-league activation forces an immediate decision on Toronto’s pitching staff.
  • Manager John Schneider has emphasized a traditional five-man rotation and cautioned that tough lineup choices lie ahead to accommodate all veteran starters.
  • Max Scherzer’s thumb inflammation and recent fatigue have prompted suggestions he shift to a bullpen or late-inning role to preserve his workload.
  • Eric Lauer’s breakout second-half performance has cemented him as a rotation cornerstone and provides a key internal alternative.
  • With a 70-51 record leading the AL East, the Blue Jays face heightened urgency to finalize their rotation alignment for the stretch run and postseason.