Blue jays Adjust Rotation, Option Easton Lucas Amid Scherzer’s Lingering Injury
HOUSTON — The Toronto Blue Jays have opted to adjust thier pitching rotation, sending right-hander Easton Lucas to Triple-A Buffalo. The move,made before Monday’s game against the Astros,coincides with the recall of reliever Josh walker,temporarily leaving the team with a four-man rotation.
Strategic Shortening of Rotation Due to Off-Days
Toronto will leverage an off day this Thursday to navigate with a four-man rotation. The current pitching schedule sees Kevin Gausman, who started Monday’s game, followed by Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis in the Houston series. José Berríos is slated to start Friday’s series opener against the New york Yankees. Gausman and Bassitt are expected to maintain their regular rest through the weekend series in the Bronx.
Return to Five-Man Rotation Imminent
Despite the potential to extend the four-man rotation, the Blue Jays plan to reinstate a five-man rotation soon. league rules mandate that an optioned pitcher remain in the minor leagues for a minimum of 15 days, unless recalled as a corresponding move for an injured list placement, meaning Lucas is unlikely to return for at least two weeks, barring any unforeseen injuries within the Blue Jays’ pitching staff.
Lucas’s recent Performance and Scherzer’s Recovery
Lucas, 28, began the season with 14 career MLB relief appearances before being thrust into the starting rotation due to Max Scherzer’s thumb injury. After two promising starts where he pitched 10 1/3 scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts, Lucas struggled in his subsequent outings. He allowed eight runs against the Braves and failed to get out of the second inning against the Mariners, culminating in a 7.41 ERA over 17 innings.
Scherzer’s recovery remains uncertain. While he reported improved grip strength after a second cortisone shot and has resumed throwing off flat ground, ther is no immediate timeline for his return or a potential rehab assignment.
Limited Starting Pitching Depth Poses Challenges
The Blue jays face a challenge in solidifying their rotation depth.Jake Bloss, acquired in the Yusei Kikuchi trade, has struggled in his frist four Triple-A starts, posting a 7.31 ERA. Adam Macko is recovering from meniscus surgery and has not pitched this year. Eric Lauer, a non-roster option, holds a 5.68 ERA in Triple-A,further highlighting the team’s limited options.
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Blue Jays Adjust Rotation, Option Easton Lucas Amid Scherzer’s Lingering Injury
HOUSTON — The Toronto Blue Jays have opted to adjust thier pitching rotation, sending right-hander Easton Lucas to Triple-A Buffalo. The move,made before Monday’s game against the Astros,coincides with the recall of reliever Josh walker,temporarily leaving the team with a four-man rotation.
Strategic Shortening of Rotation Due to Off-Days
Toronto will leverage an off day this thursday to navigate with a four-man rotation. The current pitching schedule sees Kevin Gausman, who started Monday’s game, followed by Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis in the Houston series. José Berríos is slated to start Friday’s series opener against the New york Yankees. Gausman and Bassitt are expected to maintain their regular rest through the weekend series in the bronx.
Return to Five-Man Rotation Imminent
Despite the potential to extend the four-man rotation, the Blue Jays plan to reinstate a five-man rotation soon. league rules mandate that an optioned pitcher remain in the minor leagues for a minimum of 15 days, unless recalled as a corresponding move for an injured list placement, meaning Lucas is unlikely to return for at least two weeks, barring any unforeseen injuries within the Blue Jays’ pitching staff.
Lucas’s recent Performance and Scherzer’s recovery
Lucas, 28, began the season with 14 career MLB relief appearances before being thrust into the starting rotation due to Max Scherzer’s thumb injury. After two promising starts where he pitched 10 1/3 scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts,Lucas struggled in his subsequent outings. He allowed eight runs against the Braves and failed to get out of the second inning against the Mariners, culminating in a 7.41 ERA over 17 innings.
Scherzer’s recovery remains uncertain. While he reported improved grip strength after a second cortisone shot and has resumed throwing off flat ground, ther is no immediate timeline for his return or a potential rehab assignment.
Limited Starting Pitching Depth Poses Challenges
The Blue jays face a challenge in solidifying their rotation depth.Jake Bloss, acquired in the Yusei Kikuchi trade, has struggled in his frist four Triple-A starts, posting a 7.31 ERA. Adam Macko is recovering from meniscus surgery and has not pitched this year. Eric Lauer, a non-roster option, holds a 5.68 ERA in Triple-A,further highlighting the team’s limited options.
Blue Jays Rotation Adjustments: Q&A
Here are the answers to some of your questions about the Blue Jays’ pitching situation:
- Why did the Blue Jays send Easton Lucas to Triple-A?
- Lucas was sent down to make room for reliever Josh Walker and to temporarily operate with a four-man rotation, taking advantage of an upcoming off-day. His recent performance, combined with Max Scherzer’s uncertain return, led to the decision.
- How long will lucas be in the minors?
- Due to MLB rules,Lucas must remain in Triple-A for a minimum of 15 days unless a corresponding move is made (like an injury on the MLB roster). This means he’s unlikely to return to the Blue Jays for at least two weeks.
- What’s the status of Max Scherzer?
- Scherzer is recovering from a thumb injury. He’s received a second cortisone shot and has resumed throwing off flat ground, but there’s no firm timeline for his return or a rehab assignment. MLB pitchers often undergo thorough recovery protocols that involve gradual increments of throwing intensity.
- Who is pitching in the four-man rotation?
- The current schedule features Kevin Gausman, followed by Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis. José Berríos will start the series opener against the New York Yankees. The team is using an off-day to manage the reduced rotation.
- What are the Blue Jays’ options for starting pitchers in the minors?
- The team’s depth is currently limited. Jake Bloss, acquired in the Yusei Kikuchi trade, has struggled in Triple-A. Adam Macko is recovering from surgery, and Eric Lauer, a non-roster option, also has a high ERA in Triple-A.
Keep an eye on the Blue Jays’ starting pitching situation as they navigate Scherzer’s injury and potential future adjustments to the rotation.
