The Blue Jays' starting rotation is in disarray once again, with Max Scherzer being placed on the 15-day injured list due to back spasms, retroactive to June 14th. This is the second time this season that Scherzer has been sidelined, having previously spent six weeks on the IL due to forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. The 41-year-old's struggles have been well-documented, with only 22 innings pitched and 25 earned runs allowed in six starts. His walk rate is above average, and his strikeout rate is a career-low, indicating a challenging season for the future Hall-of-Famer.
The Blue Jays have been forced to rely on their bullpen, with frequent bullpen games and a lack of a stable starting rotation. This has led to a challenging season for the team, with multiple players spending time on the injured list. The situation is further complicated by the absence of key players such as José Berríos, Bowden Francis, and Cody Ponce, who are done for the year.
One potential solution is the return of Shane Bieber, who has been on a rehab assignment after spending the entire season on the IL due to elbow inflammation. Bieber made his fifth rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo, throwing 80 pitches over five innings, albeit with less-than-ideal results. The Blue Jays may consider plugging him into the big league rotation if he responds well in the coming days.
The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been a source of concern all season, with frequent injuries and suboptimal results. The team's ability to manage their starting pitchers and find a stable solution to their rotation woes will be crucial in their quest for a successful season.
